ACT Composite 26. Going for a 28

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
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<p>I got my September scores and am planning on taking the ACT in February. I think I'm going to take the approach of going all out on practice tests. I have all 3 in the Red Book. 1 in Cracking the ACT (PR) and 3 in 1,296 (PR). I'm getting McGraw Hill 10 Practice tests next week- I've been hearing this book is too easy but I also heard if you're aiming for the high 20's and not 30's it will help. I plan on working in the other sections of 1296 a couple of weeks before the test. Is this a good strategy and should i get Barron's. I've been told to stay away from that.</p>

<p>Sep. ACT
C-26
E-27<br>
M-28
R-24 ( definitely could've did better)
S-23 (i dont even kno what to say about this)</p>

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<p>I got a 26 as my composite score as well! I heard Barron’s is harder than the acutal test but I’ve never used one before to know myself…</p>

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<p>Barron’s is ridiculously harder than the real thing. But it does give very good information. It’s just the practice tests that kill.
I found PR 1296 to be very helpful in boosting my composite from a 28 to a 30. So I would image it will be very useful for you too.</p>

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<p>I relied solely on Cracking the ACT and managed a 30 with a couple practice tests. I would definitely recommend that book. You have a good idea gathering practice materials from other books as well. The more practice the better. However, I wouldn’t limit yourself to that book that is supposedly easier than the actual ACT, which you say is good if you’re going for high 20’s. You should just shoot for as high as you can get, without a real score in mind. You’d be surprised how much better you can do than you think sometimes.</p>

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<p>Barron’s is SOOOOO much harder. The night before the test, I took a practice test and scored a 22 composite. I basically had no confidence going into the real test, because of Barron’s practice tests. I just got my scores from the real ACT, and got a 30 composite.</p>

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<p>Lol. I haven’t seen this thread in a minute, but I’m ok now. I got a 32 on the Feb. Test, way better than a 28 :D</p>

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<p>canderson, that’s great … good luck</p>

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<p>Thanks. The crazy thing is I remember making this thread and just praying that I would somehow be able to score a 28. I guess motivation and dedication can get you a long way huh</p>

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<p>haha congratz man, u deserve it. Its all hard work and a little bit of luck in the end.</p>

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<p>do NOT NOT NOT get Mcgraw Hill, it is way easier than the actual ACT.</p>

<p>trust me, it sucks balls…</p>

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<p>we can all agree upon that</p>

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<p>I still don’t know how this thread was resurrected but if anyone was curious to see how my scores changed</p>

<p>C:26 -> 32
E:27 -> 35
M:28 -> 31
R:24 -> 33
S:23 -> 30</p>

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<p>Wait I already asked canderson11 that…oh well.</p>

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<p>What a tear jerking story. <em>pats eyes with napkins</em></p>

<p>So happy for you! you totally said it - “I guess motivation and dedication can get you a long way huh.”</p>

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<p>It really can and I kind of want to keep this thread up for all the newbies to read it because I was like them once, stressing over this one test, college, and my future in general from being on CC, where people can be very intimidating and somewhat arrogant. I’ve PM-ed about 3 ppl, including harvard521, and given as much advice as I can. I just want people to calm down a little bit. Hard work is always rewarded in some way or another so just work hard.</p>

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<p>Indeed!! Hard work, driven by determination and success, is the only way to go after you’ve found your rhythem. I constantly see newbie threads that ask “Any tips for a 2300+/35 or 36?” - the only way is to get work done!! of course, after buying the right books and the right attitude : )</p>