Test Day Checklist
Everything to bring, do, and avoid on the morning of your ACT.
The Night Before
Lay out everything you need: photo ID, admission ticket, several #2 pencils, a soft eraser, an approved calculator with fresh batteries, a watch (no smartwatches), water, and a snack for the break.
Eat a normal dinner. Do not study. Sleep at your normal hour. The score gains from a well-rested test are larger than the gains from one more hour of cramming.
The Morning Of
Eat breakfast. Coffee is fine if you normally drink it; do not introduce caffeine for the first time on test day. Arrive 30 minutes early.
During the Test
Use your watch to track section pacing. Take the break between Math and Reading: stand up, walk around, eat your snack. Reset mentally.
If a question is taking too long, mark it and return. Always bubble every question, even guesses, before time is called.
What to do next
You are ready. Trust the work you have already done.
Related Guides
- 30-Day ACT Study PlanStrategy
- ACT Pacing GuideStrategy
- ACT English: Section OverviewEnglish
- ACT Math: Section OverviewMath
- ACT Reading: Section OverviewReading
- ACT Science: Section OverviewScience
- The Five Comma Rules You Need to KnowEnglish
- ACT Math Formulas You Must MemorizeMath
- How to Read Each ACT Reading Passage TypeReading
- The Three ACT Science Passage TypesScience