Standardized tests like the ACT and SAT often create anxiety, not just because of the content but also because of the intense time pressure. A significant part of succeeding on these tests is learning to manage your time efficiently. While the tests differ in format and timing, many of the time management principles apply to both. Whether you're preparing for the ACT or SAT, this guide will help you maximize your performance by mastering time management strategies tailored for each test.

Understanding the Structure of the ACT and Digital SAT

Before diving into specific strategies, it's crucial to understand how the ACT and the digital SAT are structured, as this will influence how you manage your time.

The ACT

The ACT consists of four main sections (plus an optional writing section):

• English: 75 questions in 45 minutes

• Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes

• Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes

• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes

• Writing (Optional): 1 essay in 40 minutes

This means you will need to answer about one question per minute in most sections. With such tight timing, managing every minute efficiently is critical.

The Digital SAT

The new digital SAT has two main sections:

• Reading and Writing: 54 questions in 64 minutes, split into two modules

• Math: 44 questions in 70 minutes, split into two modules

One significant change in the digital SAT is that you are allowed to use a calculator throughout the entire Math section, making time management slightly easier for math-heavy problems.

General Time Management Tips for Both Tests

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

Familiarity with the structure and question types is the first step in managing your time effectively. The more you understand the layout of each section, the better you can gauge how to allocate time during the test. Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions to develop a feel for the pace.

2. Set a Target Time for Each Question

Most students struggle with pacing, often spending too much time on one difficult question. Setting a target time per question will help you avoid this. For instance, if the ACT English section has 75 questions in 45 minutes, you have 36 seconds per question. However, some questions may take more time than others, so allocate your time according to difficulty. The digital SAT's Math section gives you more time per question (1.5-2 minutes on average), but you should still keep track of the clock.

3. Use the Process of Elimination (POE)

Rather than getting stuck trying to find the correct answer, eliminate wrong options first. This will reduce the number of choices and improve your chances of answering correctly, even when you need to guess. This strategy works well on both tests, especially when you're running out of time.

4. Skip and Return

This is one of the most critical strategies for time management. If you're stuck on a difficult question, skip it and come back later if time allows. Both the ACT and the digital SAT allow you to return to previously skipped questions, so don’t waste time agonizing over something you don't immediately know how to solve. On the ACT, you should mark your answer sheet with a placeholder guess and move on, whereas on the digital SAT, you can simply skip the question and come back to it via the navigation panel.

5. Practice Mindful Timing with a Timer

Practice tests should be completed under realistic timed conditions. Set a timer for each section and resist the temptation to pause it. This will not only improve your pacing but also condition you to stay calm under pressure.

Time Management Tips for the ACT

The ACT is particularly notorious for its tight time limits, making it essential to have a solid strategy for each section.

1. ACT English: Don’t Overthink It

With only 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, the ACT English section demands quick decision-making. Don’t spend too much time on each question—trust your instincts. If you’re unsure, eliminate clearly wrong answers and pick the best option. Grammar rules and clear writing principles don’t need to be overanalyzed; often, the simplest and clearest answer is correct.

2. ACT Math: Prioritize Easier Problems

While the ACT Math section covers a broad range of topics, the questions generally start easier and become progressively harder. Prioritize solving the questions you find easier first. This ensures that you rack up as many points as possible before tackling the harder problems that might eat up your time. If a question is too complicated or time-consuming, mark it and come back later if you have time.

3. ACT Reading: Timing is Everything

The ACT Reading section gives you four passages to read and 40 questions to answer in just 35 minutes. That's less than nine minutes per passage, including answering questions. Skim passages for the main idea and key details, then tackle the questions. Avoid getting bogged down by trying to remember every detail—use the questions to guide you back to the passage for key information.

A helpful trick is to first read the questions so you know what to look for as you skim the passage. Keep track of time and make sure to move on to the next passage with enough time for the remaining questions.

4. ACT Science: Data Over Details

In the Science section, the questions are often based on graphs, charts, and data, rather than extensive scientific knowledge. Prioritize understanding the data presented rather than spending too much time on the descriptive text. The questions usually ask you to interpret the data, so focus on the charts and tables and skip any additional details unless absolutely necessary.

5. ACT Writing: Outline Before Writing

If you’re taking the optional Writing section, use the first 5-10 minutes to outline your essay. Planning will help you write faster and more cohesively. Once your outline is ready, spend the next 25 minutes writing, and reserve the last 5 minutes for revising and proofreading.

Time Management Tips for the Digital SAT

The digital SAT brings some changes that can either help or hinder your time management depending on how well-prepared you are.

1. Reading and Writing: Fast but Careful

The digital SAT splits Reading and Writing into two modules, meaning you get 32 minutes for each module. With 54 questions in total across both modules, you have about 1 minute per question, slightly more generous than the ACT. However, the shorter passages and multiple small texts make it crucial to maintain focus and avoid distractions. Focus on grasping the main ideas quickly, and, as with the ACT, don’t overthink each question. If a question seems too hard, move on and return to it later if time permits.

2. Math: Use the Calculator Wisely

One of the most notable changes to the digital SAT is the allowance of a calculator for the entire Math section. While this may seem like an advantage, over-reliance on the calculator can slow you down. For easier problems, especially those involving basic arithmetic, it’s often faster to solve without a calculator. Save the calculator for more complex problems where precision is key. Additionally, practice with the specific calculator you plan to use so you’re familiar with its functions during the test.

3. Module Navigation

The digital SAT allows you to skip questions and return to them later within the same module. However, once you complete a module, you can’t return to it. This makes it essential to review each module before moving on. Take advantage of the ability to navigate within a module by answering the questions you find easiest first, then returning to more challenging ones.

4. Use On-Screen Tools Effectively

The digital SAT provides several on-screen tools, including a highlighter and answer eliminator. Use these to your advantage. Highlight key points in reading passages, or eliminate wrong answer choices on math problems to streamline your thinking process.

Developing a Time Management Plan

Now that you have specific strategies for each test and section, it’s time to put it all together into a time management plan.

1. Start with Timed Practice Tests Take a few full-length practice tests for both the ACT and the digital SAT, simulating real test conditions as closely as possible. This will help you build stamina and identify which sections or question types tend to slow you down.

2. Review Your Mistakes After each test, review not just the questions you got wrong but also the ones that took you too long to answer. Look for patterns—are certain topics consistently taking up too much time? Work on speeding up in those areas through targeted practice.

3. Build Your Pacing Skills During practice, use a timer to ensure you're sticking to your target time per question. Gradually work on answering questions faster while maintaining accuracy. This will help build confidence in your pacing.

4. Refine Your Strategy Customize your time management strategy to fit your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you struggle with the Reading section on the ACT, allocate more time to that section in your practice sessions. If math is your strong suit, you might focus on fine-tuning your approach to more complex problems.

Conclusion

BetterGradez is here to help you master time management for both the ACT and digital SAT. Our experienced tutors provide personalized study plans that focus on both content mastery and timing strategies. Through timed practice tests, we help you develop the pacing needed to succeed under pressure. Whether it's navigating the fast-paced ACT Reading section or efficiently using the calculator on the digital SAT Math section, our tutors offer targeted guidance to improve your speed and accuracy. 

We also provide detailed feedback after each session, helping you identify areas where you can save time and sharpen your skills. With flexible scheduling and tailored tutoring sessions, BetterGradez ensures you’re prepared for test day. From building your confidence to honing your test-taking strategies, we’re dedicated to helping you reach your highest potential.