ACT Prep:

Planning Ahead for Success

• A roadmap to help you prepare, plan, and perform your best

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• Presented Heidi Clairmont, Scholarship Coordinator

• ACT will be given at GRHS on Weds March 11th
• Sign up will start in January (an email will be sent when it opens)
• Cost will be $58 (students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch are waived; must have filled out the F/R Application this school year)
• Science section is included but not writing section
• ACT.org has options for taking the ACT on a Saturday
• December 13, Feb 14, April 11, June 13
• Offers the writing section 
• Act.org offers Test Information Release (TIR) when taking it in Oct, April or June

• What about the SAT?
• The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is another standardized college entrance exam.
• The SAT doesn’t have the Science section, although there could be some in the Reading passages that are science related. There is a 2nd Math section that is non calculator and not all Math questions are multiple choice. 
• Offered around the state, but not in GR. 
• Go to Collegeboard.com for test dates and registration.
• Most colleges & universities accept either the ACT or the SAT for entrance if they require a score.

Why Start Early?

• The ACT measures what you’ve learned — not what you can cram.
• Starting early builds confidence and reduces stress.
• Planning helps you balance school, sports, and life.

ACT Prep Timeline:

October → March

• October – Get Started
• November – Build Skills
• December – Practice
• January – Refine
• February – Final Prep
• March – Test Month

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• Rembember that small, steady effort beats last-minute cramming!

Step 1: Start Strong (Oct–Nov)

• Plan to register for the ACT
• District Testing sign up will start in January
• Take a baseline test
• Set up your weekly schedule
• Focus on grammar, reading, and math basics
• Mental Training: Social & Emotional Skills (SEL)

Resources

• There are many opportunities available for you to study for the ACT:
• Read the Preparing for the ACT 2025-2026: Test Taking Strategies and Full Length Practice Test
• ACT Academy (free)
• March2Success.com (Free- must register for a free account)
• ACT Course in EBSCO Learning (Free- must register for a free account; need a library card # that can be gotten at our local library. Or I have a number if you don’t) [Course is found under “Prepare for College”]

More Resources

• Purchase a Mastery Prep Online course through the school for $40. They are partnering with ACT this year. Contact Heidi Clairmont with questions or to sign up & pay.
• Benefits: Adjusts instruction based on where you are at and creates a personalized learning plan.
• Many paid resources through ACT or other companies

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Step 2: Level Up Your Practice (Dec–Jan)

• Take full-length timed practice tests
• Review missed questions carefully
• Focus on your weakest section
• Practice pacing and timing

What does the ACT look like?

• English
• Math
• Reading

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• Science
• Math

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• English
• Reading
• add optional Writing

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Composite Score

{

STEM Score

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ELA Score

Overview of the ACT

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You can find more in-depth details about each section of the test at this link:

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Overview of the ACT

Step 3: Finish Strong (Feb–Mar)

• Take one last practice test 2–3 weeks before test day
• Review test-day procedures and materials
• Prioritize rest, hydration, and mindset
• Light review only the week of the test

Be Ready for Test Day

• Get a full night’s sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Wear a non smart watch with a 2^nd hand. Use this for your timing on each section!
• Arrive early (late arrivals will not be admitted)
• Read a practice reading or English passage prior to the test to warm up your brain.
• Bring ID, pencils, calculator, snacks
• Believe in your preparation

What You Can Do This Week

• Choose your test date & register
• Take your first practice test
• Block study time on your calendar
• Ask for help if needed

Believe in Your Preparation

• “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

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• You’ve got this — start now, stay steady, and show what you know!

Questions?

Heidi Clairmont: Scholarship Coordinator

hclairmont@isd318.org

218-327-5760 x41544

• GRHS Counselors:
• A-D: Tanis Henderson  |  thenderson@isd318.org
• E-KL: Nate Elsen  |  nelsen@isd318.org
• KN - RH: Teresa Stephens  |  tstephens@isd318.org
• RI - Z: Sheila Anderson |  sanders1@isd318.org