How To Study For The ACT When You’re Busy With Sports, Work, and Life
Busy. That’s the word every student and parent seems to use these days — and for good reason. Between school, sports, work, and volunteering, today’s Alabama teens have schedules that rival most adults. It’s estimated that the average student spends five hours per week participating in extracurriculars, but 3–6% of kids are spending 20 hours or more each week.
With schedules this full, it’s no surprise that finding time to prepare for the ACT can feel overwhelming. Between practices, performances, and part-time shifts, test prep often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But here’s the truth: effective ACT prep doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities students love. With the right plan — and a little structure — it’s possible to balance busy schedules and make meaningful progress toward higher scores.
At Test Prep Alabama, we’ve worked with busy students all across the state who’ve raised their ACT scores without giving up the activities they love. Whether you’re a varsity athlete, a marching band member, or balancing work after school, here’s how you can make ACT prep actually work for you.
1. Set Small, Consistent Study Goals
Consistency always beats cramming - just like slow and steady wins the race. Instead of marathon study sessions once a week, aim for 20–30 minutes a day, three to four days a week.
Tie your study time to a habit you already have — like right after dinner or before practice. When it’s part of your routine, it becomes automatic.
2. Use Study Tools That Fit Your Lifestyle
You don’t need to carry thick prep books everywhere you go. Use quick-access tools that make studying easier on the go:
Digital practice tests that you can pull up on your phone or electronic device whenever you have extra time
Video lessons to review difficult topics in bite-sized segments
Practice tests you can split into smaller chunks over a few days
If you’ve got 15 minutes between classes or before work, that’s prime ACT review time.
3. Focus on Your Weakest Areas
Not all study time pays off equally. Focus on your lowest-scoring sections or question types.
Look at the breakdown of your latest ACT or practice test to see where you can get the biggest score boost. Even a few extra points in your weakest section can raise your overall composite significantly.
4. Create a Schedule That Works for You
Here’s a sample weekly schedule that’s worked for many Test Prep Alabama students:
Day Focus Area Time Needed
Monday English: commas + transitions 25 minutes
Wednesday Math: 5 practice problems + review 20 minutes
Thursday Reading: timed passage practice 20 minutes
Saturday Science: data analysis + review 30 minutes
When you spread your prep throughout the week, it feels manageable — and you’ll retain more along the way. Purposeful practice and review will equate to improvements as well.
5. Simulate the Real Test
Once every few weeks, take a timed practice section under realistic conditions — no phone, no breaks, and a strict timer.
Building endurance is one of the most overlooked parts of ACT prep, but it’s what helps you stay focused through all four sections on test day.
6. Stay Accountable
Having someone to check in with makes a big difference. A tutor, teacher, or even a friend can help keep you consistent.
At Test Prep Alabama, we help students create custom study plans that fit around school, sports, and jobs — so prep becomes part of your life, not an added stress.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to give up your busy schedule to prepare for the ACT. With the right plan and a little consistency, you can balance everything — and still hit your goal score.
At Test Prep Alabama, we specialize in flexible, personalized ACT prep designed for real students with real commitments. Whether you prefer one-on-one tutoring, group sessions, or online prep, we’ll help you find the right fit to reach your college goals.
- Ashly J.
