In 2023, just 21% of high school seniors met all four ACT benchmarks, while 43% failed to meet even one.
The truth is, many students put in hours of study but still fall back as their preparation is subpar.
ACT preparation with mind maps makes studying easier. They show ideas visually, so connections are clear, gaps are spotted, and time is better organized.
With tools like EdrawMind, messy notes can turn into simple study guides that save time and help you remember more.
The guide explores 10 ACT mind maps that make your preparation worthwhile, and simple ways to put them into practice for stronger results.
In this article
10 Ways To Focus and Get the Best Score on ACT
The following are 10 mind maps you can follow to optimize your ACT preparation strategy, to secure a good score:
ACT Preparation Plan
The ACT preparation guide mind map gives a clear, structured pathway to excel in the ACT exam. Best for students who feel lost, short on time, or unsure how to organise their ACT prep. It organises strategies into sections such as daily learning, preparation tools, short-term plans, and exam-day tips.
Breaking down each subject and test-taking approach makes preparation more efficient and less overwhelming.
Key Features
- Explains what the ACT is and what it tests for
- Short and long-term preparation strategies
- Use daily homework as practice
- Tips for each subject (English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing)
- Explains the ACT registration process in detail
- Preparation tools like flashcards, practice tests, and online resources
It can be followed by a student expecting a higher ACT score: a short-term plan is initiated with daily homework integrated as practice, preparation tools like mock tests are used, and then exam-day strategies are applied to stay calm and focused.
English Grammar Tenses
Students who struggle with organising grammar concepts and remembering tense rules, as it explains tenses in a clear visual way, connecting rules, sentence patterns, and examples for easy understanding. It is also simple to go through for a last-minute review.
Key Features
- Covers all major tenses
- Includes sentence structures for affirmative, negative, and questions
- Highlights time markers and common adverbs for every tense.
- Shows verb form changes (e.g., endings, irregular rules).
For example, the differences between the present perfect and the past perfect can be quickly checked by a student revising for the ACT English section, common signal words can be recalled, and this knowledge can be applied to practice questions on verb consistency.
English Vocabulary
A major part of the ACT English and reading sections is made up of English vocabulary, and losing marks is caused by confusion with word categories.
Visually organizing these concepts helps students learn faster, recall rules more easily, and apply them correctly during the test.
Key Features
- Covers all parts of speech with subcategories like verbs, pronouns, and prepositions
- Shows both usage and types for articles, adjectives, and adverbs
- Includes examples of noun forms, numbers, and interjections
- Highlights tricky areas such as auxiliary verbs, comparative adjectives, and pronoun types
Someone who finds pronouns difficult can use this to review types like reflexive, demonstrative, or relative before practice. It helps spot mistakes in sentences and get more answers correct.
Reading Notes
This mind map is ideal for students who struggle to organize what they read into useful notes that actually aid in understanding and memory.
Students waste time rereading or highlighting without turning that information into something they can remember. It shows how to take efficient reading notes that optimize memory and connect ideas, making reading more effective.
Key Features
- Explains why taking notes helps both current understanding and long-term memory
- Shows what makes a good reading note (clear, systematic, insightful).
- Provides a universal template with core concepts, golden quotes, and story cases
- Encourages linking notes to emotions, insights, and actions to aid retention
A student preparing for the ACT reading section can use this mind map to write down the author’s main idea, the proof they use, and the big theme in simple words.
They can also pick out one strong quote that shows the writer’s tone or style and connect it to the kind of questions that appear on the test.
Trigonometric Concept Map
The trigonometry concept map is for students who want a clear understanding of trig ratios, definitions, and the Pythagorean theorem.
It compiles ideas into simple categories, linking formulas with mathematical concepts and real applications. Making it useful for quick review before exams or when tackling geometry-related ACT math questions.
Key Features
- Covers SOH-CAH-TOA ratios with easy mnemonics
- Explains Pythagoras’ theorem and its converse with proofs
- Links concepts to constancy, patterns, relationships, and models for real-world use
Using the sine ratio to calculate the height of a tree when the angle of elevation and distance from the base are known.
Matrices
This is best for those who want a clear concept of matrices for a quick revision. It explains the fundamentals of matrices from their basic definition to different types and common operations.
Tricky concepts like multiplication, transposition, and scalar operations are simplified into easy-to-follow notes. Time is saved and studies are kept organised for learners.
Key Features
- Explains the abstract concept of a matrix clearly.
- Shows different types of matrices, including rectangular, square, real, and complex.
- Covers basic operations such as addition, multiplication, scalar multiplication, and transposition.
- Mentions equality rules and how rows and columns interact.
A student getting ready for the ACT or SAT can use this mind map as a quick refresher before practice instead of going through long chapters.
Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
For students who want to ace quadratic equations, this map breaks quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities into clear, structured categories.
It includes complex concepts like graph properties, solution methods, and inequity, and shows relationships between formulas, properties, and problem-solving techniques that help.
Key Features
- Covers quadratic functions, equations, and inequalities in one view
- Explains graph properties, roots, and vertex details
- Includes multiple solution methods (factorization, formula, square root)
- Shows inequality solving techniques with the discriminant use
- Visual comparisons of root distributions and cases
For example, when solving quadratic equations, one can trace solution methods such as the quadratic formula or factoring in a clear sequence.
Essay Writing
Students looking for a clear structure to organise their thoughts often lose points because their ideas are scattered, and writing an essay under exam conditions is found stressful.
This mind map provides smaller, manageable sections like purpose, introduction, main body, and conclusion to help students sort their essays.
Time can be saved, focus maintained, and the question answered clearly and effectively by following the layout.
Key Features
- Covers purpose, theme, category, and keywords
- Guides the introduction with questions, arguments, and a summary
- Divides the main body into multiple paragraphs with perspectives, theories, and examples
- Provides a conclusion with key arguments
- References section included for citations and content
A student writing an ACT essay on whether technology improves learning can use this mind map to keep their ideas clear.
First, they note the topic and keywords, then list the main points in the introduction. In the body, they explain different views with simple examples. At the end, they give a short conclusion and mention references.
Time Management
Students preparing for the ACT exam who struggle with optimising their time management, balancing subjects, or dealing with distractions will find this mind map most useful. More topics are covered, stress is managed, and strategic preparation is enabled.
Key Features
- Guides on setting goals and priorities
- Shows how to create daily/weekly schedules with flexibility
- Provides strategies like time blocking, batching, and the Pomodoro technique
- Covers managing interruptions and using apps/tools for productivity
- Emphasises prioritisation, delegation, and avoiding procrastination
The Pomodoro Technique from the mind map can be used by a student aiming to improve ACT math by studying algebra in 25-minute focused sessions with short breaks.
Time can then be blocked out in a weekly schedule for practice tests, apps like Google Calendar can be used for reminders, and similar tasks, like reviewing formulas and solving equations, can be batched together.
Exam Revision
Revision is considered an important part of ACT prep, and this mind map shows students how to use their study time well.
It divides revision into clear parts such as what, why, who, when, where, and how, making planning feel easier and less stressful.
Key Features
- Shows how to revise with practical methods (notes, mind maps, practice questions)
- Gives tips on the best study environment (quiet, light, fresh air)
- Suggests when to start revising for maximum benefit
- Focuses on students aiming to perform well in exams
A student can use this mind map by breaking their revision into simple steps like reading notes, making short summaries, and practising questions.
How To Brainstorm Using EdrawMind
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a mind map and brainstorm ideas using tools on the EdrawMind canvas:
Step 1: Download and Launch EdrawMind
- Download and install the desktop version of EdrawMind.
- Log in with your account.
- Select the Create option from the sidebar
- Choose Blank Mind Map.
Try the app & get 500 free AI tokens
Step 2: Start Customizing Your ACT Mind Map
Under the Map tab on the left sidebar, choose your desired layout and theme of the map.
Step 3: Modify the Blocks According to Your Style
- Click on the block you want to modify, and use the menu that hovers over it or the Style menu in the sidebar, to change properties like fill color, shadow, border color, and weight.
- Select the text inside, and start typing whatever you like.
Step 4: Add New Topics and Sub-Topics
- Select the parent topic, under the Start menu at the top, choose Subtopic or Topic according to your requirement.
- Or you could also press the Tab button to create subtopics easily.
- Then repeat step 3 to customize that topic.
Step 5: Add Images and Tables
- Navigate to the Insert tab from the top.
- To add an image, select the block, then select the Picture option.
- To add a table, select the block, then under the More options, choose Table.
- Finally, choose the number of rows and columns.
Bonus Step: AI File Analysis
- Instead of creating mindmaps on your own, you can also use the AI file analysis feature, which allows you to generate PDFs using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, and text files.
- Select the Generate Mind Map from File option under the Productivity Tools section in the sidebar, from the Wondershare EdrawMind tab.
- Upload the file for which you want a mind map.
- Choose Generate Mind Map.
- You can also translate the mind map into a presentation format.
- Click the Slides option in the top section, and then under the Convert current file to Slides section, click Convert to Slides.
- Or if you want to translate another PDF into a presentation, use the Upload File option under the Import File and Generate Slides.
Step 6: Export Your Diagram
- Click File at the top left corner.
- Choose Save to save the diagram in EdrawMind’s default format
- Or click Export to export your diagram in formats like JPG, PNG, PDF, PPT, and many more.
Tips for Making Organized Mind Maps for ACT Preparation
The following are some tips that can help you make organized mind maps, which can add to your ACT preparation:
- Start with the main topic: Put the subject (e.g., ACT Math, ACT Reading) in the centre. Branch out into main categories like Formulas, Strategies, or Question Types.
- Try to keep branches short: Use keywords or brief phrases instead of long sentences. For example, write SOHCAHTOA instead of a full trigonometry explanation.
- Add colors: Give each branch its own colour (e.g., red for Math, blue for English).
- Leave space for notes: Leave space to add examples or practice problems as you study. A mind map should grow with your prep.
- Connect sections: Draw arrows between linked ideas. For example, connect Data Interpretation in Science with Graph Reading in Maths.
- Switch to outline view: Switch between the picture view and the list view. The list works like a study checklist, and the picture helps you review quickly.
Roadmap for ACT Preparation
The steps and tips provided above are general ways you can study for the upcoming ACT. However, a roadmap is a different matter because it outlines the timeline of your approach as the exams come near.
Thus, this section will explore an ACT preparation sample roadmap, which you can tailor in accordance with your needs. For example, you can edit it to add specific parts of your schedule, such as work.
Stage 1: Understand the Exam
Begin by reviewing the ACT structure. The test has four main sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing section. Official guides are the best place to start, since they explain timing, question types, and scoring in detail.
Stage 2: Build Your Study Plan
Set a schedule that covers all sections. Dedicate specific days to subjects, such as grammar rules for English or graph analysis for Science. Breaking preparation into smaller, regular sessions helps with long-term retention.
Stage 3: Practice With Real Tests
Take full-length ACT practice tests under timed conditions. This will not only measure your progress but also train your stamina for the actual exam.
Review mistakes carefully, and connect them to patterns—whether it’s missing punctuation rules or running out of time in Math.
Stage 4: Target Weak Areas
Focus extra practice on areas where your scores lag. For example, if reading passages slows you down, practice skimming and summarizing. If Math word problems are difficult, break them into smaller steps.
Adjust your plan as your strengths and weaknesses become clearer.
Stage 5: Use the Right Resources
Make use of official ACT guides, practice books, and digital tools like Quizlet or Magoosh. You can take a look at these resources in the following section.
Joining study groups or online forums can also expose you to different approaches.
Stage 6: Refine Strategy Before Test Day
In the last few weeks, shift from learning new material to sharpening test-taking techniques—practice pacing, intelligent guessing, and managing stress during timed drills.
Stage 7: Take the Exam With Confidence
On exam day, rely on the preparation you’ve built. A clear structure, practice under real conditions, and refined strategies will help you stay calm and perform at your best.
Recommended Resources for ACT Preparation
Here are some recommended resources that you can use when you prepare for the ACT. This covers different materials such as mock tests, readings, and more.
Just read through and check out which one works for you. Make sure to maximize these materials, especially as the ACT gets closer by the day.
For Official Guides
Start with the Official ACT Prep Guide published by ACT itself. It includes real past questions, detailed explanations, and practice tests. Using authentic material is the best way to understand the exam’s format and difficulty.
For Practice Tests
Online platforms like ACT.org itself and Khan Academy provide free practice questions and tests. Taking these under timed conditions mirrors the real exam and helps track progress. Practicing with real conditions is essential for building stamina.
For Study Apps and Tools
Apps like Quizlet or Magoosh ACT Prep are useful for vocabulary drills and quick reviews. They allow you to practice on the go, making study time more flexible.
Students often use these for short sessions between classes or during commutes.
For Strategy Guides
Books such as The Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep and Kaplan ACT Prep Plus offer strategies for pacing, guessing, and handling tricky questions.
These are especially useful for refining test-taking skills after building content knowledge.
For Mind Mapping and Study Organization
A mind map can make studying more efficient. Tools like Wondershare EdrawMind provide free templates to organize subjects, deadlines, and progress. This helps you see the bigger picture and manage your preparation more effectively.
How To Boost Efficiency for Your ACT Prep With Mind Maps
Above, the article has explained how using mind maps can be very helpful in your ACT prep.
When it comes to efficiency, how can you improve your review and prep’s pacing with the help of these tools? Here are some suggestions:
- Use it as a reviewer. Mind maps are used to arrange information visually. You can connect different concepts. So, for your ACT review phase, make sure to use the mind maps solely for review.
- Tracking your progress. If you need a little “lift me” when you’re getting lazy or tired, use mind maps or diagrams as a tracker. As you fill up the mind map’s content, you can see how far you’ve come.
- Improving focus and retention. Creating a mind map is an active process. You’re not just reading – you’re also analyzing how they connect, summarizing the information, then connecting them. This helps keep focus and retention.
- Using a digital tool. For mind mapping, make sure to use a digital tool like EdrawMind to maximize efficiency. Don’t just write with pen and paper; make sure the map is easily customizable and editable when you review.
The most important tip here is to use a digital tool like EdrawMind. The tool itself has over 700+ symbols and 210+ diagram types. Meaning, you can easily create, edit, and learn with the help of this tool.
Just make sure to maximize all the AI features it also offers – they can help explain or summarize concepts that may be a bit hard to grasp.
Conclusion
Long study hours matter for the ACT, but without smart planning, they won’t lead to the results you want. A helpful tip is to use a timer while practicing to experience the real test pace.
Reviewing a little every day helps the learning stick better. To keep everything clear and organised, ACT mind maps can be useful. Try EdrawMind's smart mind mapping for quick and efficient mind maps.
FAQs
For the last part of our article, here are some related FAQs that might help you in the long run. After reading this, it’s best to begin with your ACT prep. Best of luck!
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1. How long should I study for the ACT?
Most students spend 2–3 months preparing, with 8–10 hours per week. If you’re aiming for a higher score or retaking the exam, you may need more time. Shorter, consistent study sessions are more effective than cramming. -
2. What are the hardest sections of the ACT?
This varies by student. Many find Science challenging due to time pressure, while others struggle with Math word problems or reading passages. Practice tests help you identify which section requires the most attention. -
3. Should I take the ACT with or without the writing section?
It depends on your college list. Some universities require the ACT Writing test, while many don’t. Check admissions requirements early so you know whether to prepare for the essay. -
4. What resources are best for ACT prep?
Official ACT practice tests are the most reliable. Supplement them with prep books, flashcards, and online platforms like Magoosh or Khan Academy. Digital tools can make reviews more flexible. -
5. How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, but most students take it two or three times. Retaking can help improve scores, especially if you use feedback from earlier attempts to adjust your strategy.
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