Sleep beats a midnight review session. Eat a normal breakfast you already know sits well—protein and carbs, not a new energy drink. The night before is for packing and lights out, not a full practice test.
Sleep
Keep Friday bedtime within an hour of your normal school night. Two short nights plus a 2 a.m. cram is how Reading falls apart. Taper the week: week before the ACT.
Food
- Breakfast you have eaten before a long Saturday.
- Water before you leave; follow the center's bottle rules.
- A break snack that is quiet and familiar. Breaks and snacks.
What not to do
New supplements, skipping breakfast, or "just one more" full test after 9 p.m. Anxiety that will not settle: test-day anxiety.
The bottom line
Familiar food, a normal bedtime, and a packed bag. The score comes from the weeks behind you, not from Friday night.
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.