I just got my ACT scores in the mail. I got a composite of 28, which was way lower than expected and I’m sort of freaking out. What are the best strategies to increase this score? My weakest area was Math with a 26. I have so far bought the Red Book. Should I use that or old tests or both? Any tips? Thanks
Use that as well as old tests. What helps is doing a timed Math section then redoing the problems you did wrong.
- The best way to practice is to take practice tests under realistic conditions. No peeking at answers, 10x breaks, etc.
- The hidden beast of the ACT is speed reading comprehension. This is true for all sections. Would recommend reading a couple of fun novels at a quick pace to speed this up. The questions aren't that hard, the timing factor is.
- Make sure to have a good graphing calculator. Ti-84 or your favorite flavor of the highest allowed. Stuff it full of notes and programs for the math section. It's perfectly legal.
- For the science section, read the questions first and read FAST.
- For the essay, write it very formally (3rd person) and be sure to counter the counterargument.
@Mandalorian Thanks for the tips. I actually got a 12/12 on my essay. Do you know if I have to take it with Writing again my next retake?
Yes, every time you take it has to be with writing.