--- title: The Top 6 ACT Science Tips You Must Use · PrepScholar description: Need quick ACT science tips to raise your score and avoid careless mistakes? Here are the top 6 tips you must be using. image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/body_actsciencetips.png --- **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** CALL NOW: [+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546) [![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031) ## Choose Your Test SAT Prep ACT Prep [PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) ☰ - Search Blogs By Category - [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) - [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act) - [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions) - [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap) - [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies) - [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl) - [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa) # [The Top 6 ACT Science Tips You Must Use](https://blog.prepscholar.com/top-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use) ![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_lauren.png) Posted by [Dora Seigel](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel) | Updated on August 29, 2024 [ACT Science](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act-science)   ![body_actsciencetips.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_actsciencetips.png?width=184&name=body_actsciencetips.png "body_actsciencetips.png") Many students struggle with ACT Science. Students, who came to me for tutoring after taking their first official ACT test, typically performed worst on this section. It is very fast and unlike any other science test. **This section more than any other is about pacing and strategy.** I was able to boost my ACT Science score 5 points with a few tips. So, what simple tips and tricks can you use to boost your ACT Science score right now?      ## ACT Science Tip #1: Save the Conflicting Viewpoints Passage for Last **Every question in the ACT Science section is worth the same point value**, so you want to get the most points in the limited amount of time given (35 minutes total or 52.5 seconds per question). To get the most points, you should save the most time-consuming passage for last, which conflicting viewpoints is. If you do not know the 3 Types of ACT Science Passages, [read this article](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-3-types-of-act-science-passages) first. As a brief summary, there are 3 types of passages, 7 passages used on the test: - 3 Data Representation Passages  - 3 Research Summaries Passages   - 1 Conflicting Viewpoints Passage The Conflicting Viewpoints Passage has no graphs or tables. Instead, there are two or more scientists/students/theories presented in short paragraphs. The questions ask you about each viewpoint and the differences and similarities between the viewpoints. **You need to read and understand the entire passage to answer the questions. **Therefore, this passage will take the longest, so **save it for last, so it doesn’t kill your pace.**    ![body_actsciencethened.jpeg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_actsciencethened.jpeg?width=219&name=body_actsciencethened.jpeg "body_actsciencethened.jpeg") *Conflicting Viewpoints should be THE END*   You should be able to speed through the other 2 types of passages using our next tip:  ## ACT Science Tip #2: Use Only Visuals to Answer Questions in Data Representation and Research Summary Passages Again, since every question is worth the same point value and you only have 52.5 seconds per question, **you want to answer as many questions as you can in the shortest amount of time.** Saving Conflicting Viewpoints until the end will save you some time, but not reading the Data Representation and Research Summary passages will save you even more time.   **Most of the questions in these 2 types of passages can be answered by using the visuals and not reading the passage**, so you will actually save time and answer more questions correctly by not reading these passages! Counterintuitive, I know. **Since the majority of the questions ask you about data which is presented in the visuals, you just need to look at these visuals to find the correct answer.** Learn more about this in our other article on [time management and section strategy](https://blog.prepscholar.com/time-management-tips-and-section-strategy-on-act-science). Again, skip reading these passages, jump right to the questions and answer as many as you can with visuals alone. If you can’t get to a final answer, at least use the visuals for process of elimination:  ## ACT Science Tip #3: Use Process of Elimination Again, you have very little time on the ACT Science section (5 minutes per passage or 52.5 seconds per question). You need to find ways to make the best use of your limited time. So, **as you start to notice what cannot be the correct answer, cross it out.** This process of elimination will help you make the best use of your time and will lead you to the correct answer. If you don't use process of elimination, you may jump to pick an answer before making sure it is the best answer choice. **With process of elimination, you know your final answer is the only one that CAN be correct. **   ****![body_actscienceprocess.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_actscienceprocess.png?width=132&name=body_actscienceprocess.png "body_actscienceprocess.png")**** *If it is wrong, cross it out!*   You do not want to let anything slow you down, including the big science terms:   ## ACT Science Tip #4: Make Sure You Read the Right Figure and Pay Attention to Labels In my experience teaching students, the most common careless mistake I see is reading the wrong figure and mixing up the labels. If you look at Figure 2 when you're supposed to be looking at Figure 3, you'll make huge mistakes. And you can bet the ACT has trap answers that bait you into these mistakes. Similarly, graphs often have labeled x and y-axes, and you need to make sure you're looking at the correct axis to find the correct data value.  [Check out my guide on reading graphs](https://blog.prepscholar.com/factual-questions-in-act-science-tips-and-strategies-how-to-read-graphs-tables-and-data) to make sure you don't make these mistakes.   ## ACT Science Tip #5: Don't Get Stuck on Big Science Terms ACT Science is really a misnomer; the test should be called the “reading with very confusing big words and tricky visuals” section. The reason ACT Science does not force you to memorize AP level Bio or complete IB Physics HL problems is that not everyone takes all of that math in high school. For ACT Science to be a fair standardized test for all high school students, the test asks you about basic science concepts in tricky or confusing ways. **The ACT Science does not expect you to be familiar with the big science terms it throws at you. **   ## ACT Science Tip #6: Don't Study Science Terms **If you need to know a science term to answer a question, the term will be defined for you in the passage**. For most of the large science terms that are not defined, **you will not need to understand them to get to the answer. Think of it as a matching game.** If a question asks about average change in AGTB and you do not know what that is, simply find the term “average change in AGTB” in a visual (such as a graph) and then see if you can find the data you need to answer the question.  There are only 4 outside knowledge questions on ACT Science that require you to know concepts outside of the passage. We detail [every concept you need to know in this guide](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-only-actual-science-you-have-to-know-for-act-science).   ## Recap Use these 6 tips and you will see an instant improvement:   1. Save the Conflicting Viewpoints Passage for last. 2. Try to use only visuals to answer questions in Data Representation and Research Summary Passages. 3. Use Process of Elimination. 4. Make sure you read the right figure and pay attention to labels. 5. Do not get caught up in the big science terms. 6. Don't actually study science to improve your score. Keep these tips in mind before your test and you'll avoid careless mistakes and save time! These strategies alone may not help you push your score to the maximum. Be sure to check out our other articles for maximum score improvement.    ## What’s Next?  Learn about the different types of questions on the ACT Science section such as [factual questions,](https://blog.prepscholar.com/factual-questions-in-act-science-tips-and-strategies-how-to-read-graphs-tables-and-data) [interpreting trends questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/interpreting-trends-in-act-science-relationships-between-data-points), and [experimental design and hypothetical change questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/experimental-design-questions-in-act-science).  Looking for overall ACT Science review? Read [our complete guide to the section](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-ultimate-study-guide-for-act-science).  Taking the test really soon? [Check out our guide to ACT cramming.](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-cram-plan)    [![Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points?   We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must use to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151867936175.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ2RBHEcgtHB7LQLi2HnBRasrJs5CjrEIJliIyV4h6z8Y38LSliOcNYx7OJEXiN1BsHaXErwYwLzJErS7CyjaEmHmNvl028158rdDdr%2BV5pkv3eiXPXnEMgfbH6yvPAw5mbxLEWVOF4Li4ryqz17meLkrfmltxIHY9eqiXGt90WoRZzbqk0bYauAqiPPWj4vVHEvg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151867936175&portalId=360031)     ### Trending Now [How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay) [Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act) [What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for) [ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat) [Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/) Get Your Free **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** eBook [5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/) [5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/) ### SAT Prep [Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) [Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)** [Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing) [Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee) ### ACT Prep [Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score) [Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)** [Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay. × ## Thanks for Subscribing! ![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png) To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) **Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article! [![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Ftop-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) About the Author ![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_lauren.png) Dora Seigel As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography. ## Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)** - [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/) - [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/) - [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) - [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/) - [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/) - [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/) - [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/) - [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/) - [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/) - [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/) - [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/) - [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/) - [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/) - [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) - [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial) - [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) © PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site. ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc. GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site. GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dora Seigel", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/dora-seigel" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-29T18:05:39+00:00", "datePublished" : "2015-06-20T18:00:16+00:00", "description" : "Need quick ACT science tips to raise your score and avoid careless mistakes? Here are the top 6 tips you must be using.", "headline" : "The Top 6 ACT Science Tips You Must Use", "image" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/body_actsciencetips.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/top-6-act-science-tips-you-must-use", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar" } } ```