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If you’re prepping for the ACT, your focus is probably on test content and timing—but don’t overlook something deceptively simple: your pencil. The wrong one can lead to scoring errors or even disqualification. Here’s what you actually need to know about it to avoid last-minute surprises.
What Pencils Are Allowed on the ACT?
“Never bring a mechanical pencil, ever”
According to the official ACT guidelines, only No. 2 wooden pencils with good erasers are permitted for the multiple-choice sections.
Allowed:
- Standard No. 2 wooden pencils
- With erasable graphite (not ink or colored lead)
Not allowed:
- Mechanical pencils
- Pens or gel pens
- Colored pencils
- Highlighters
This isn’t just a random rule—ACT scan machines are calibrated for graphite marks made by traditional wooden pencils. Anything else can cause misreads.
Regular vs. Mechanical: What’s Better for the ACT?
Even if you usually prefer mechanical pencils, test day is not the time to experiment. Here’s why wooden wins:
| Pencil Type | Pros | Cons |
| Wooden No. 2 | ACT-approved, soft graphite, smooth shading | Needs sharpening, can break |
| Mechanical | Consistent line width, no sharpening | Not allowed, disqualifies answers |
If comfort matters, choose a wooden pencil with a grippy barrel and quality eraser. Brands like Ticonderoga or Staedtler are student favorites.
How to Prepare Your Pencils for Test Day?
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Bring at least two or three allowed pencils, already sharpened and tested. Some students bring extra in case one breaks during the test. Make sure the erasers are clean and don’t smudge. If your pencil erasers are worn out, bring a soft white eraser that won’t damage your answer sheet. Sharpen your pencils the night before with a manual or electric sharpener, and pack a small sharpener to use during the test if needed.
Avoiding Test Day Issues with the Wrong Pencil
Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t rely on the test center to provide pencils. Many don’t.
- Don’t assume a mechanical pencil is “basically the same.” It’s not—and your answers might not be scored.
- Don’t erase aggressively. That can damage the answer sheet and cause errors in scanning.
What to Expect If You Bring a Pen or Non-Approved Pencil?
If a proctor sees you using anything other than a wooden No. 2 pencil, they’re required to:
- Stop you from continuing with that tool
- Ask you to switch immediately
- Possibly report a testing violation
Best-case scenario: you waste time switching tools. Worst-case: your answers don’t get scored.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Pencils During the Exam?
Here are the most frequent mistakes students make with pencils during the ACT and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem? | How to Avoid It? |
| Using a mechanical pencil | Disallowed by ACT; may lead to invalid scores | Use traditional wooden No. 2 pencils only |
| Bubbling too lightly or heavily | Scanner may miss or misread answers | Fill bubbles darkly and evenly, without excessive force |
| Incomplete erasures | Ghost marks may trigger scoring errors | Use clean erasers; fully erase without damaging the sheet |
| Skipping misalignment | Answer sheet and test booklet don’t match | Check bubble numbers often |
How to Choose the Best Pencil for Comfort and Performance?
You’ll be writing for almost three hours, so comfort is important. Choose:
- Soft graphite (HB or No. 2)
- A grip that won’t slip (triangular or hexagonal)
- A rubber grip if you hold tight
- An eraser that doesn’t smudge
Tip: Test a few pencils before exam day and pick the one that feels best.
How to Test Your Pencil Setup Before Exam Day?
“Use wooden #2s, they’re cheap and simple. I recommend sharpening a bunch before you test, if one breaks you have more without wasting time”
A week before your ACT:
- Do a timed practice section using your exact pencil set.
- Practice filling in full answer bubbles.
- Erase and re-fill to check for smudging or residue.
- Sharpen multiple pencils and pack your kit in advance.
Don’t wait until the morning of the test to realize your eraser smudges or your grip hurts.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: College Board, ACT, Reddit
