Time Management Tips for an Optimal ACT/SAT Score (5/24/25)
One of the biggest challenges students face on the ACT and SAT is managing their time effectively. Even students who know the material well can struggle to finish sections on time, and that often leads to avoidable mistakes or unanswered questions. The good news is that time management is a skill you can learn and master with the right strategies.
In this post, I’ll break down proven time management tips that I teach my students to help them stay calm, focused, and efficient on test day.
Know the Timing Structure
The timing of the ACT is changing starting in September 2025 for national online testing (and spring 2026 for school-day testing). Here's what you need to know about the new structure:
Enhanced ACT (beginning September 2025)
English: 50 questions in 35 minutes
Math: 45 questions in 50 minutes
Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes
Science (optional): 40 questions in 40 minutes
This updated format includes fewer total questions, shorter passages, and more time per question, making pacing more manageable for many students. Students may choose to take the ACT with or without the Science and/or Writing sections.
Before you can manage your time, you have to know how much of it you have. Here’s a quick overview of the timing for each section:
ACT (through July 2025)
English: 45 minutes for 75 questions
Math: 60 minutes for 60 questions
Reading: 35 minutes for 40 questions
Science: 35 minutes for 40 questions
SAT
Reading & Writing: 2 modules with 32 minutes for 27 questions each
Math: 2 modules with 35 minutes for 22 questions each
Each section requires a different pacing strategy, so make sure you’re familiar with your target test’s format.
Use the “Star” or Marking Strategy
One of the most effective tools for time management is what I call the "starring" strategy. Here’s how it works:
As you go through a section, place a star or circle next to any question that you’re not 100% confident about. Instead of spending too much time stuck on a tricky question, you move on and answer everything else first. Then, if you have time at the end of the section, you return to the starred questions and give them a second look.
This strategy helps in two key ways:
You don’t lose momentum or fall behind.
You maximize your chances of earning points on questions you’re more likely to get right.
It’s a simple but powerful method that gives you control over how you use your time.
Set Mini Checkpoints
To avoid running out of time near the end of a section, divide it into smaller chunks and assign time limits to each.
Example for ACT Reading (4 passages, 35 minutes):
Aim to spend 8-9 minutes per passage. The questions on this section do not get progressively more difficult, so the time budget per passage is roughly 35 divided by 4.
After each one, check the clock. If you’re behind, adjust your pace for the remaining passages.
Example for ACT Math (60 minutes for 60 questions):
Because the questions generally get harder as you go, here’s how to pace yourself:
After the first 15+ questions, aim to have at least 50 minutes remaining.
After completing the first half (questions 1–30), aim to have at least 35 minutes remaining.
Try to leave at least 20 minutes for the final 15 questions, which tend to be the most difficult.
Adjust your timing slightly depending on your personal strengths, but this approach gives you more time for the hardest problems.
Example for SAT Math (35 minutes per module):
While each SAT math module contains a mix of easier and harder questions, the difficulty generally increases as you move through the module:
First 11 questions: Aim to complete in 10–16 minutes.
Last 11 questions: Reserve 19–25 minutes, since these are typically more time-consuming.
This pacing strategy helps you avoid rushing at the end and allows time for double-checking starred questions.
Having mini checkpoints keeps you on pace and avoids last-minute panic.
Practice With a Timer
Using the right tools can make a big difference in your timed practice. Multiple ACT-approved and SAT-approved digital timers are available online and can be used during both practice sessions and the official test. These timers help you simulate real conditions and stay aware of how much time is left without breaking any testing rules.
Time management on test day starts with timed practice at home. Use official practice tests and simulate real test conditions:
Sit in a quiet place without distractions.
Use a timer or countdown clock.
Practice full-length sections in one sitting.
This kind of practice builds stamina, improves your pacing instincts, and helps you figure out which question types slow you down.
Don’t Overcommit to One Question
If you find yourself spending more than a minute on any single question (especially on the ACT), you’re probably spending too long. Mark it, guess if needed, and move on. Remember:
On both tests, there’s no penalty for guessing.
You can always come back to it if you have time.
High scorers don’t always know every answer—they manage their time well enough to reach every question.
Final Thoughts
Effective time management can make a major difference in your ACT or SAT score. By practicing smart strategies like the "starring" method, setting checkpoints, and staying calm under pressure, you give yourself the best chance to maximize your potential.
Want help building a custom test-prep strategy that includes these time management tools? Reach out today to schedule a consultation—I’d love to help you prepare with purpose and confidence.
Contact me today to get started with expert ACT/SAT tutoring and take the next step toward college success!
