33-34 Average on Practice Tests...Any tips on how to bump up score?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>Hey CC,</p>

<p>Throughout all of the practice tests that I have completed from both the Red Book and released exam booklets, I seem to consistently average a 33-34. The most recent exam I have taken was the one from the 2009-2010 free booklet, below are the scores I got.</p>

<p>English: 35
Math: 35
Reading: 32
Science 36
Composite: 34.25</p>

<p>A general trend I seem to notice with my scores is that my English/Math sections are very solid, but the Reading/Science sections vary from test to test depending on the content.</p>

<p>Below are my approaches to both of these sections and any advice/suggestions to improve upon my score would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Reading:
-Read the Science passage first (usually takes 4-6 minutes) then return to the beginning to read passages 1-3.
-While reading I summarize paragraphs with 2-3 words
-I don't read the questions beforehand. This is because when I have done so before, I was cramped for time.</p>

<p>Science:
-Read the Scientist Viewpoints passage first and continue on with the rest of the section.
-Read all diagrams/experiments before approaching the questions
-I usually have enough time, but on a few tests I have gotten tripped up on oddball experiments (most notably chemistry passages).</p>

<p>I would really like to bump up my score to the 35-36 range for the September 12th test date. Do you guys know any quick fixes that can improve my score?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>CORRECTION</p>

<p><strong><em>Science: 35</em></strong></p>

<p>Sorry</p>

3

<p>At this point, I think it’s all about luck. Just stay focused and you can get a perfect if you do so!</p>

4

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<p>If we were discussing the SAT I would thoroughly agree, but not with the ACT. I don’t think a book will help at this point though, other then practice tests.</p>

5

<p>Pay closer attention and take your time. Do you use every minute? Are your wrong answers actual gaps of knowledge? If they’re just dumb mistakes, then you just have to to go slower. For reading, I don’t know, I’ve always thought it was luck. I ace one practice, 32 on the next.</p>

6

<p>I’m pretty sure the ACT is harder than the practice tests. I got a perfect on the math and science, and like 30+ on the English and Reading for the practice test, but then I actually took it and got a 28 composite. Probably the only things you can do is the practice tests, like you already have, and to make sure you pace yourself so you don’t go too fast and make dumb mistakes.</p>