1-Week ACT Study Plan: What to Do in the Final 7 Days
Only one week until the ACT? Use this seven-day plan for English, Math, Reading, optional Science, pacing and test-day preparation.
Seven days before the ACT, stop trying to “cover everything.”
The current ACT Composite is built from:
- English;
- Math;
- Reading.
Science is optional and reported separately. For a complete rundown of the current test format, see our Enhanced ACT guide.
Your final week should reflect the version of the ACT you are actually taking. If you have more time before test day, see our one-month ACT study plan for a longer build-up.
Day 7: identify the biggest point leaks
Use your latest practice test.
Rank:
- weakest core section;
- repeated error type;
- timing problem;
- optional Science need.
If you're aiming to move from the 20s into the 25+ range, our ACT 20 to 25 study plan covers the underlying skill gaps in more depth.
Day 6: weakest core section
If Math is your weakest:
- Algebra;
- Functions;
- Geometry;
- Statistics/Probability;
- timing.
If English is weakest:
- punctuation;
- sentence structure;
- Production of Writing;
- concision.
If Reading is weakest:
- main idea;
- inference;
- evidence;
- passage pacing.
Day 5: second weakness
Work on the next-highest opportunity.
Keep the session focused.
Day 4: timed section
Complete one full timed core section.
Do not stop the clock when you get stuck.
You need to learn what happens under real pacing pressure.
Day 3: optional Science or core review
If taking Science:
- graphs;
- tables;
- experimental design;
- conflicting viewpoints.
If not taking Science:
use this day for your weakest Composite section.
Day 2: light mixed practice
Review:
- common formulas;
- grammar rules;
- pacing checkpoints;
- calculator strategy.
Do not exhaust yourself.
Day 1: test-day preparation
ACT says test takers should bring:
- an ACT admission ticket;
- acceptable photo ID;
- a permitted calculator for Math if desired;
- appropriate pencils;
- anything specifically required for their testing format.
For online ACT, the testing platform includes Desmos during Math.
Check your MyACT information and test-center details.
Calculator check
ACT permits calculators only on Math.
Make sure yours:
- is permitted;
- works;
- has batteries/charge;
- is familiar to you.
Do not learn a brand-new calculator the night before.
Final-night rule
You will not gain five ACT points by studying until 2 a.m.
Sleep has more value than one extra exhausted practice set.
Browse the rest of our ACT guides for section-specific strategies.
Bottom line
The final week should be:
targeted review + timed confidence + test-day preparation
not seven days of cramming.
Trademark note: ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp. MastaPrep is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT Education Corp.
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