When a section goes badly, close it. The Composite is an average of English, Math, and Reading. A wrecked English can still sit next to a 32 Math if you do not carry the mood into the next clock. Do not redo English in your head during Math directions.
The 20-second reset
- Put the pencil down or hands off the mouse.
- Exhale, look at the next section's first page only.
- Start item 1 as if it were the first test of the day.
Anxiety tools: test-day anxiety.
Why the math still works
26 + 32 + 32 averages 30. One ugly section is not a voided sitting. Voiding is for emergencies, not a hard English: how to void a score.
Use the break
After Math, eat, walk, forget the last 50 minutes. Breaks and snacks.
The bottom line
Finish the test you are in. A bad section is one third of the Composite, not the whole morning—unless you let it be.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.