How to Stay Calm during the ACT

The ACT can change your life. Because it’s so monumental, this test can be stressful, overwhelming, and downright intimidating.

Plenty of students have lost their cool in the middle of the test because they under anticipated the rigor of the ACT. We don’t want that to happen to you, so we have a few tips to share that will help you stay calm during the test.

These little “secrets” will help reorient you when (and if) the ACT knocks you off course.

Go to Your Happy Place

It sounds silly, but think about something that makes you happy. Did you go to a theme park or have some other adventure last summer? Go back to that memory for a few seconds. Do you have a puppy at home that is just adorable? Think about him or her. Whatever it is that makes you happy, find that place, think about it for a few seconds, and allow it to reconnect you so you can go back to crushing it on the ACT.

Take a Deep Breath

Stop. Inhale deeply. Exhale. You’ve got this. Yes, the ACT is tough. Yes, the ACT is intimidating. But you studied. You went to a MasteryPrep Boot Camp. You are prepared. Don’t freak out. Take a deep breath or two and remember how far you’ve already come.

Remember your “WHY”

Remember why you are trying to get the score you want on the ACT. Maybe it’s a scholarship you’re after, or a new phone your parents promised if you score high enough. Whatever your “WHY” is, use that to calm you down. Taking a couple seconds to remember WHY you’re working so hard to get the score you want can help you overcome the intensity of the ACT.

Do these three things when you begin to feel overwhelmed during the ACT, and you will calm down and get your groove back.

Like this article?

View our Privacy Policy

ACT® is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. ACT® Aspire™ is the registered trademark of ACT Aspire, LLC. WorkKeys® is the registered trademark of ACT Inc. Ring Publications LLC has no affiliation with, and is not approved or endorsed by, ACT Inc or ACT Aspire, LLC.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

View our Cookie Policy

Like this article?

Leave a comment