Yes, you should answer every single question on the ACT, even if you have to guess. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so a blind guess can only help you and never hurts your score. Leaving a bubble blank is the one guaranteed way to earn zero points on a question, and that is the habit we most want you to drop.
Smart guessing beats blind guessing
"Always guess" does not mean "guess randomly whenever a question feels hard." Work the question as far as you can first, then guess from what is left:
- Eliminate what you can. Crossing off even one wrong choice lifts your odds above one in four. Cross off two and you are at a coin flip.
- Then commit. Once you have narrowed it down, pick and move on. Do not burn time agonizing between two close options when the clock is your real opponent.
Have a plan for true guesses
When a question is a total mystery or you are about to run out of time, use a consistent "guessing letter." Pick one answer position ahead of time and use it for every blind guess in a section. This is not magic, but it is slightly better than scattering random picks, and it saves you the seconds you would waste deciding.
Never let the clock leave bubbles empty
The most common way students lose easy points is running out of time with questions unanswered. Build a simple habit: when about a minute is left in a section, stop solving and fill in an answer for everything that is still blank. On the digital test, you can flag questions to revisit, but make sure every one has something selected before time expires.
Pacing is what makes this possible. If you regularly run out of time, our guide on finishing ACT Reading on time shows pacing habits that carry over to every section.
Guess, but keep working to need it less
Guessing is a safety net, not a strategy for the whole test. The fewer questions you have to guess on, the higher your ceiling. Use your practice-test reviews to shrink the number of blind guesses over time. Our guide on how to review ACT practice tests helps you turn the questions you guessed on into ones you actually know.
The bottom line
Answer everything. Eliminate when you can, guess confidently when you cannot, and never leave a bubble blank. On the ACT, an educated guess is free points waiting to happen.
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.