So, you’ve got the Army Cognitive Test (ACT) coming up, but time is not on your side. Maybe you only just found out about it, or life has been busy, and now the test is right around the corner. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Plenty of recruits have been in the same position, and the good news is that you can still prepare effectively, even if you’re short on time.
The ACT is designed to measure your cognitive skills—things like problem-solving, logical thinking, and numerical ability. It’s not about testing what you already know but rather how quickly and accurately you can process information. That means smart preparation is key.
Understand What You’re Up Against
Before jumping into practice, it’s essential to understand what the ACT includes. The test consists of five sections:
- Orientation – Applying rules to identify correct patterns.
- Error Detection – Spotting differences quickly and accurately.
- Number Fluency – Performing fast mental arithmetic.
- Word Rules – Recognizing word patterns and logic.
- Deductive Reasoning – Using logic to solve structured problems.
In our in-depth ACT article, you can learn more about what to expect from the Army Cognitive Test.
Prioritize the High-Impact Areas
With limited time, you need to focus on areas where you can improve quickly. Here’s how:
1. Speed Up Your Mental Arithmetic
- The Number Fluency section requires you to do quick calculations.
- Focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Use an Arithmetic Trainer to simulate test conditions.
2. Master Pattern Recognition
- The Orientation and Word Rules sections are all about spotting patterns quickly.
- Train your brain to identify repeated structures.
- Practice visual puzzles and logic-based exercises.
3. Improve Your Decision-Making Speed
- Error Detection and Deductive Reasoning require quick thinking.
- Don’t overthink—go with your first instinct.
- Time yourself while answering practice questions.
Use Focused Practice
If you only have a few days, your preparation needs to be laser-focused:
Day 1: Familiarize yourself with the test format and take a timed practice test.
Day 2: Work on your weakest areas. If numbers are a struggle, practice mental arithmetic. If logic puzzles slow you down, do pattern exercises.
Day 3: Take another full practice test under timed conditions and review any mistakes.
On Test Day: Get plenty of rest, eat well, and stay confident. Don’t second-guess your answers—trust your training.
Signing up for an Army Cognitive Test preparation program can be highly beneficial, as it allows for focused training and optimal use of your time.
Good Luck!
Even with limited time, you can improve your ACT performance by focusing on high-impact areas and practicing efficiently. The key is not to panic—a calm and focused mind will always perform better. Go in with confidence, and give it your best shot!