What does it take to score a perfect 36 on the ACT? Some say it’s raw talent. Others think luck is involved, but the truth is that perfection isn’t accidental. Luck has nothing to do with it. Scoring a coveted 36 is the natural result of having razor-sharp test-taking mechanics and a mastery of the test material—if you have that combination, you’ll naturally score highly every single time.
For anyone who likes the sound of this (or “full-ride scholarship”), here are some habits of the ACT elite that can help you get there:
They Treat Practice Like the Real Thing
Top ACT scorers don’t just casually answer practice questions—they simulate Test Day every chance they get. That means:
- using professional methods for every type of ACT problem, always
- knowing how and when to use official ACT practice tests
Test Day is Game Day. Preparing for a standardized test is like training for an intellectual sports competition. We train, drill, and show up ready to win.
They Master the ACT “Game,” Not Just the Content
Here’s a secret: the ACT isn’t a test of pure knowledge—like all standardized tests, it’s a game. High scorers know that:
- the same types of questions appear again and again—the ACT’s writers should all take a pay cut because they have no originality. Top scorers practice until they know the test inside-out, upside-down, and backwards before they ever take it, like a video game they’ve already played a thousand times. The exam eventually becomes transparent as its questions and traps in wrong answer choices become predictable.
- even with familiarity, professional methods are key. They break down difficult-looking problems into easy ones, prevent “careless errors,” and reduce the time spent on each question, turning the test into a pleasant breeze that professional test-takers glide through.
They Prioritize Each Section Over Each Question
A 36 isn’t about getting every question right—you can actually miss a few and still nail a perfect score. It’s about answering questions correctly, quickly, and easily, so the ACT as a whole is blown out of the water.
Move on when you’re stuck. Top scorers don’t let one question sink their whole section—the former can be sacrificed, but not the latter. Take an educated guess, mark down the question, and come back.
They Keep Their Minds and Bodies in Peak Condition
Cramming on four hours of sleep is a one-way ticket to mediocre scores. The best test-takers know that a healthy body is needed for a healthy mind:
- They exercise. It’s a healthy, needed outlet, and even a quick walk before a study session can help retention and focus.
- They sleep at least 8 hours before practice tests and Test Day (because a tired brain is a slow brain).
- They eat nutritious, brain-boosting foods—no sugar crashes, no energy-draining junk.
They Don’t Just Study—They Progress
Anyone can take practice quizzes and tests. The best students maximize their use:
- They don’t just mark wrong answers; They break down explanations until they could teach the concept themselves, which is the highest level of learning.
- They actively track progress and follow a study plan to be ready by Test Day, adhering to a manageable practice schedule.
They Don’t Do It Alone
Even the best students need guidance. The highest scorers:
- work with top-ranked instructors who can teach professional approaches, fix weaknesses, and accelerate progress
- study with peers who motivate them
- seek out top-tier test prep (even the best athletes don’t train themselves—they have elite coaches).
Every Student Has the Potential to be a Champion. You’re capable of a hundred times what you think you are. Unlock it.
The Bottom Line: A 36 is the Score of Professional Test-Takers
Scoring a perfect 36 isn’t about being a genius. It’s about building unstoppable habits, mastering the test like a pro, and having razor-sharp test-taking mechanics.
Ready to Dominate the ACT?
Are you ready to start training? Call The Best Test Prep today at (844) 672-PREP and let’s start your journey to a perfect 36! The Best Test Prep has helped thousands of students reach their full potential and laugh all the way to college with scholarships.