The Score Boost Plan

Improving your ACT Math score isn't about doing a thousand random math problems—it's about identifying your specific weaknesses and targeting them with precision. This Score Boost Plan is designed to take you from your current baseline to your goal score through four strategic phases.

Phase 1: Establish Your Baseline

Goal: Understand exactly where you are starting and what you need to fix.

Before you open a textbook, you need data.

• Use the ACT Math Review Program: Log in to the Summit Math Lab portal and launch the ACT Math Review module. Select the "Diagnostic Exam" option. This tool is specifically designed to simulate real test conditions (60 minutes) and automatically tracks your performance data.
• Mimic Test Conditions: No distractions, no music, and use only an ACT-approved calculator. Treat this like the real thing.
• Review Your Automated Report: Once you finish the diagnostic, the program will instantly calculate your scaled score (1–36) and highlight your problem areas. This is your starting point.

Phase 2: The "Gap Analysis"

Goal: Categorize your mistakes to find low-hanging fruit.

Go back through every single question you missed or guessed on. Categorize them into three buckets:

• Bucket A: Careless Errors. You knew the math, but you misread the question, punched a button wrong, or rushed.
  • The Fix: Slow down. Underline key numbers in the question. Write down your steps rather than doing mental math.
• Bucket B: Content Gaps. You simply didn't know the formula or the concept (e.g., "I forgot how to find the area of a trapezoid").
  • The Fix: These are the easiest points to gain back. Make a list of these topics and review the specific formulas.
• Bucket C: The "Stumpers." You had no idea how to even start the problem, or the logic was too complex.
  • The Fix: Leave these for last. Focus on fixing Bucket A and Bucket B first.

Use this Gap Analysis Tracker to help categorize and track your mistakes.

Phase 3: Targeted Drills & Concept Mastery

Goal: Rebuild the foundation where it is weak.

Now that you know your weak spots, attack them by topic. Do not just take more full tests yet.

• Focus on High-Yield Topics: Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra make up nearly 40% of the test. If you are missing these easy questions, fix them first.
• Memorize the Formulas: The ACT does not give you a formula sheet. Use flashcards for the essential geometry and algebra formulas (Distance, Midpoint, Slope, SOH CAH TOA). Download your own set of Formula Flash Cards.
• Practice "Modeling": Work on translating word problems into equations. This is the #1 skill for the hardest questions on the test.

Phase 4: Endurance & Speed Training

Goal: Build the stamina to maintain accuracy for 60 minutes.

Once you have reviewed your content, return to full practice sections.

• The "30-20-10" Strategy: Break the test down mentally.
  • First 30 questions: Aim to finish these in 20–25 minutes. They are generally easier. Bank time here.
  • Next 20 questions: Spend about 20–25 minutes here.
  • Last 10 questions: These are the hardest. Use your banked time to tackle the few you can solve, and make educated guesses on the rest.
• Letter of the Day: Never leave a bubble blank. If you have 30 seconds left and 5 empty bubbles, pick one letter (e.g., "B") and fill them all in. You are statistically more likely to get points this way than by zigzagging.

Phase 5: The Final Polish

Goal: Confidence and execution.

In the week leading up to the test:

• Review Your Mistake Log: Read through the questions you missed in Phase 2. Remind yourself why you missed them so you don't repeat the error.
• Rest Your Brain: Do not cram the night before. Your brain needs sleep to access the memories you've built.
• Pack Your Bag: Calculator (fresh batteries), #2 pencils (not mechanical), ID, and a high-protein snack.