<p>Hey guys, so currently im a junior at my highschool. I took the act a couple of weeks ago and i got my composite score today. I got a 22 on the real test. However, on my practice test i was averaging scores from 29-32. I dont know how i managed to get a 22 on the real test. I think the only logical explanation was that time management bothered me as i had 8-10 questions left when there was 5 minutes remaining on each of the 4 sections. However, at home time never seemed to be a problem as i usually finished on time or before time was up! </p>
<p>Does anyone have any tips i could use to improve my score? I really want to get atleast a 30 on my ACT. Im going to take it again on June 9th, because i want to try again before the summer arrives. And if i still dont do well i plan on taking it again in September. </p>
<p>Does anyone know any books i could use to help me improve my score?? I already used the Real Act Prep Guide (the red book) and also 1296 Act questions by Princeton Review. Are there any other good materials/books i could use to get practice tests and improve my score?? Please guys and thanks for the help!</p>
<p>I’ve never really prepped for the ACT so far, having now taken it twice, but perhaps give yourself LESS time when taking practice tests to further simulate what you’re experiencing during the actual test. My AP Language and Comp teacher had us do that with practice MC’s for the exam, and its really helped me get through the thing quicker. Although I’m not a pro (got a 31 the first time, still waiting on most recent report), perhaps these will help you slightly on each section:</p>
<p>English: Simply refresh yourself with the technical things of writing. Be familiar with who vs. whom, semicolon vs. colon vs. comma, and tenses. Test out potential answers and get a feel for if it seems right or not. That’s a helpful way to eliminate options. </p>
<p>Reading: Understanding the gist of a passage goes a long way. Try to keep from rereading it multiple times; get what’s going on the first time around. Working quickly and efficiently is the name of the reading game.</p>
<p>Math: Work as quickly as possible at the beginning. 80% of the first 35-40 questions or so should be fairly basic, and you should avoid double checking these. Spend as little time on the first 2/3rd as you can. Save time for the final 20, as they tend to be more difficult and require more step by step process. If you find one that absolutely stumps you, skip ahead but remember to go back if you end up having time.</p>
<p>Science: Don’t even try to read through the entirety of the passages. Unless you just absolutely love science and get the ins and outs of just about everything scientific, go for the main idea first and use the questions themselves to read through the graphs and develop necessary analysis required in the q’s. I tried to read the passages the first time I tested and found myself in a terrible position at the end. Still rushed somewhat on round two, but skimming rather than in-depth reading helped me get more done.</p>
<p>There are plenty of people on here who have, in essence, “mastered” the ACT. Hopefully they can input some useful tips as well, seeing that I still could use some too! Best of luck to you on the June 9th test.</p>
<p>Oh, and by the way- go Sox! :P</p>
<p>thanks a lot Pjbrida! but do you know any good books i could use to prepare??</p>
<p>Well, as I mentioned, I haven’t really done any prep work myself up to this point. I took the test in 7th grade with Duke TIP, and my parents bought me “The ACT for Dummies.” Before taking that the second time, I looked through it briefly and I think that it may have helped somewhat. It has plenty of practice tests, explains questions well, and overall lays-out the test in good detail. However, now that you’ve taken it, the beginner stuff may not necessarily be for you. I’ll still recommend that book, but only because I’ll probably end up using it again myself :). I’ve heard that “The Real ACT Prep Guide” and Princeton’s “Cracking the ACT” are both very helpful as well.</p>