Marquette's middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 25-30 on the ACT. A score of 26+ is competitive, while 28+ strengthens your application significantly. Since Marquette is test-optional for some applicants, focus on achieving a score that reflects your best effort—a strong ACT score can be a meaningful part of your application.

Both tests are equally accepted by Wisconsin colleges, but the ACT has historically been more popular in the Midwest. Many Wisconsin high schools offer free ACT testing days, and the test format may feel more natural to students who prefer straightforward, faster-paced questions. However, some students perform better on the SAT—consider taking a practice test of each to see which format plays to your strengths.

The ACT Science section (35 minutes, 40 questions) doesn't require deep science knowledge—instead, it tests your ability to interpret data, read graphs, and understand scientific reasoning. You'll encounter passages about biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, but success depends on quickly extracting information from charts and tables rather than memorizing formulas. Many students find this section challenging because it's unique to the ACT and requires a different skill set than typical science classes.

The ACT is faster-paced than the SAT, with only 2 minutes 40 seconds per question on average. Strategy varies by section: on English and Math, work steadily through questions; on Reading, consider skimming passages first or reading questions before the passage; on Science, focus on extracting data quickly rather than understanding the full context. Tutors can help you identify which sections drain your time and develop section-specific pacing strategies.

Most students see 2-4 point improvements with focused prep, and motivated students working with a tutor often achieve 4-6 point gains over 2-3 months. Larger improvements (6+ points) are possible but require consistent practice and identifying specific weak areas—like struggling with the Science section or running out of time on Reading. Your starting score matters too: students scoring 18-22 often see bigger jumps than those already scoring 28+, since there's more room to improve fundamental skills.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent prep, starting in spring of junior year or fall of senior year. If you're aiming for a score above 28, plan for 4-6 months to allow time for practice tests, targeted skill-building, and review. Milwaukee juniors should consider taking the ACT in spring to leave time for a summer retake if needed—many Wisconsin high schools also offer free testing days, which is a great low-pressure first attempt.

Most colleges no longer require the ACT Writing section, so it's optional for most students. Check the specific requirements of your target schools—UW-Madison and Marquette, for example, don't require it. If you're a strong writer and your target schools recommend it, the Writing section can strengthen your application, but it adds 40 minutes to your test day. Many students skip it to focus energy on the four main sections.