Study the skills that show up every Saturday: high-frequency English rules, the Math you still miss after question 20, and Reading pacing on four single passages. Skip rare extras until those three are stable. Optional Science and Writing are not the Composite.
English
Punctuation, sentence structure, agreement, and concision. Those four decide most of the 50 items in 35 minutes. Grammar rules.
Math
Linear equations, functions, ratios, and the geometry you keep missing. Formulas you must carry in your head: ACT Math formulas.
Reading
A 10-minute-per-passage habit and answers that are on the page. Pacing: finish Reading on time.
What to ignore at first
Obscure trig identities, Science if no college wants it, and Writing unless a school lists it. Time-per-question chart if you need the clocks: time per question.
The bottom line
Frequent rules, weak Math topics, Reading pace. Everything else waits until those stop leaking points.
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.