From Overwhelmed to Confident: A Parent’s Guide to ACT Prep for Anxious Teens

For many teens, the ACT feels like a mountain they’re not sure how to climb. For students with dyslexia or other learning differences, the anxiety tied to ACT test preparation can be even more intense.

But here’s the good news: as a parent, you play a huge role in shaping how your teen approaches the challenge. With the right mindset and tools, you can help your child move from stressed and stuck to confident and capable—and you don’t have to be a test expert to do it.

Let’s dive into what ACT prep can look like for students who learn differently—and how you can support your teen every step of the way.

1. Pause and Check Your Own Stress First

Your Calm Is Contagious

Let’s start with something that may not seem obvious: your emotional tone sets the stage for your teen.

Are you holding your breath about the ACT without realizing it? Maybe you’re worried about college deadlines, scholarships, or whether your child will be ready. That’s completely normal. The ACT feels like a high-stakes moment, especially when your child learns differently. But when parents carry too much of that anxiety, teens absorb it—often without words ever being spoken.

Here’s what helps:

Take a breath before conversations about the test.
Talk about the ACT as just one part of the bigger college process.
Replace pressure with perspective: say things like “We’re going to prepare the best we can” instead of “This score determines your future.”

A calm, grounded parent helps build a calm, grounded student.

2. Help Your Teen Name the Fear

Anxiety Shrinks When You Talk About It

Teens with test anxiety often struggle more with the “what ifs” than the actual test itself. What if I fail? What if I blank out? What if I’m the only one who doesn’t do well?

Here’s a counterintuitive but powerful tip: lean into the fear. Ask your teen, “What’s the worst that could happen?” At first, they might shrug it off or give a sarcastic answer—but keep the conversation open and curious.

You might hear responses like:

“What if I get every math question wrong?”
“What if everyone else finishes, and I don’t?”
“What if I study and still don’t improve?”

Once the fear is out in the open, you can help your teen evaluate it:

Is it likely? Probably not.
Is it fixable? Yes—there are multiple test dates and accommodations.
Is it permanent? Definitely not.

By talking it through, you’re not only reducing anxiety—you’re helping your child learn emotional regulation skills that will serve them long beyond test day.

3. Choose the Right ACT Prep Course

Not All ACT Preparation Classes Are Created Equal

For students with dyslexia or ADHD, traditional ACT prep classes can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Large classes, fast pacing, and rigid methods don’t always align with how differently-wired brains learn best.

That’s why it’s so important to choose an ACT prep course that supports your teen’s learning style and emotional well-being.

Look for ACT preparation classes that offer:

Small group or one-on-one instruction
Teachers trained in working with students with learning differences
A slower, more personalized pace
Emotional support alongside academic strategies
Practice tests in a low-pressure environment

At Read Write Learning Center, our ACT prep course is specifically designed for students who learn differently. We focus on building confidence as much as building skills. When students feel understood, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and make progress.

4. Set a Realistic Definition of Success

Progress Looks Different for Every Teen

Let’s get real—your child may not aim for a perfect 36. And that’s more than okay.

ACT test preparation isn’t just about getting the “best” score. For many teens, especially those with learning differences, the win is in the growth.

Help your teen define what success looks like for them. That could be:

Increasing their reading section score by a few points
Learning how to pace themselves during a timed section
Walking into test day feeling calm and prepared, instead of panicked

By celebrating milestones—big or small—you help your child build momentum. Each small win adds up to a stronger sense of self-worth, and that can be even more valuable than the score itself.

5. Make a Simple, Flexible Study Plan

Structure Reduces Stress

It’s tempting to cram for the ACT at the last minute, but that almost always backfires—especially for teens who already feel overwhelmed.

Instead, work with your child to create a gentle, consistent plan. You don’t need to study for hours each day. Even 20–30 minutes a few times a week can make a difference when it’s done consistently and thoughtfully.

A few tips to keep study time manageable:

Use a calendar to mark study days and break days
Mix up subjects so it doesn’t feel repetitive
Include built-in review time, especially for challenging sections
Use visuals, color-coding, and hands-on tools if your teen is a visual learner

And remember—flexibility is key. If your teen is having a rough day, it’s okay to adjust the plan. What matters most is building a routine that feels doable and empowering.

6. Practice the Test-Day Experience

Familiarity Builds Confidence

One way to reduce anxiety is to make the ACT feel less mysterious.

Set up a “practice test day” at home. Try to mimic the actual testing environment: same time of day, same time limits, minimal distractions. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s exposure.

The more your teen knows what to expect, the less room anxiety has to grow.

Don’t forget to practice logistical pieces too:

What to bring (calculator, snacks, ID, admission ticket)
What to expect with accommodations (extra time, breaks, etc.)
How to handle unexpected hiccups (running late, a tricky question)

After the practice, talk it through. What felt good? What felt hard? What could they try differently next time?

7. Encourage Breaks and Self-Care

Balance Is Just as Important as Studying

ACT prep is important—but it’s not everything. In fact, students do better when they feel emotionally and physically cared for.

Encourage your teen to build in breaks, hobbies, and rest. Whether it’s listening to music, going for a walk, drawing, or spending time with friends, these moments of downtime matter. They restore focus and regulate stress.

Self-care also includes good sleep, hydration, and nutrition—all simple but powerful ways to support brain function.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Support Makes All the Difference

The ACT can be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be a crisis. With the right mindset, resources, and support system, your teen can face the test with resilience and confidence.

At Read Write Learning Center, we’re here to walk alongside you. Our ACT prep course is designed for students with learning differences, and we prioritize both academic success and emotional readiness. With small classes, expert instructors, and a heart-centered approach, we help students grow—not just in scores, but in self-belief.

Ready to support your teen in a way that works for them?
Enroll Now: Learn more about our ACT prep course

Because your teen deserves a test prep experience that fits them—not the other way around.