<p>Hi, this is the first time I've ever actually posted to CC. I notice most of you guys are math geniuses that suffer when it comes to reading, but I have the opposite problem. I'm a junior and the December ACT will be my first, but I've taken 5 practice tests out of the red book. My scores however have not improved much at all, which is understandable seeing as they are mostly in the 30s. But my math is just TERRIBLE!
Typically my scores are:</p>
<p>E: 35-36
R: 35-36
S: 32-33
and the best math score I've gotten... 25!!!</p>
<p>I started with a Math score of 20 so I have improved, but it's really dragging down my composite:( I've been doing problems whenever possible and studying from SparkNotes and other random websites, but Math has always been my weak area. I've already taken Algebra 1&2, Geometry, and Precalc. While I haven't taken trig, the basics were covered in my geometry and Algebra 2 classes. So what else do I do? I've ordered the Barron's math and science book, but would it be worth it to also get a tutor? Any suggestions?</p>
<p>I used khanacademy.org It’s free and the covers everything you need to know… However, if you’re taking the test in two weeks, it may be difficult to start cramming now. You don’t need to know a whole lot of trig to do well on the ACT–just a few basic things. </p>
<p>The best thing for the ACT–and, I guess, for anything at all involving math–is to have a super strong intuition. That’s something that can take a long time to develop, but if you want to score high, that’ll do the trick. The ACT always has weird math questions that basically just test your logic/intuition/deep understanding of math, because they ask strange questions that you wouldn’t ordinarily hear in math class. The best example I always think of is “What is the maximum number of pieces you can cut an orange into if you can cut the orange only three times?” Anyway, the way to get that is just to do lots and lots and lots of math problems.</p>
<p>If I were you, I’d watch the trig playlist on Khanacademy, and then move on to anything and everything else you don’t feel comfortable with. If the way those videos teach doesn’t work, maybe getting a tutor is a good idea. But I think the videos are awesomesauce and make a lot of sense.</p>
<p>I actually wouldn’t focus on trig. There are only 4 trig questions on the ACT – 2 are Soh-Cah-Toa.</p>
<p>If you have a strong understanding of Soh-Cah-Toa, then you should be fine. Use your intuition to make an educated guess on the other two. The problem with the advanced trig is that it can literally involve anything, and two study your brains out two get 2 questions correctly isn’t the most effective method.</p>
<p>Instead, I would focus on the problem areas in subjects you have already been taught. Watching videos may be a great way to do that.</p>
<p>Like haikuhippo said (awesome name btw), you may want to work with a tutor to figure out what your problem areas are. Then, you can work on addressing those issues in depth.</p>
<p>Thanks. Yeah I realize I don’t have enough time to really bring my score up so im just going to hope for the best for now and then use this advice for the next time I take it (probably April).</p>
<p>You have two weeks until the December 8 test. Use this time wisely. You say that you have taken 5 practice tests in the red book. That means that you have seen 300 math questions. What have you done with all of that data? Have you categorized the questions you have missed on? If not, do so. Look at each question you missed, determine if it is Algebra, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry or Trig. The best way to quickly improve your score is to identify your weaknesses and work to strengthen them. If your weakness is in Intermediate Algebra, focus on that. If after the December test, you are still not happy with your score may I suggest you find someone, a teacher in school, a friend, or yes, a tutor to help you. Another pair of eyes can be very helpful</p>
<p>I have the exact same problem too! It’s frustrating, isn’t it? I’ve never been a math person…and I’ve taken all the courses that the ACT tests on. Basically I have nothing constructive to say except that you’re not alone :P</p>
<p>Wow thanks that was really helpful byahnoob! I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m stuck on a problem! How many points do you think I could raise my score using that method?</p>
<p>Try some MATHCOUNTS/AMC10-12 problems, perhaps? They’re a different style than ACT math problems, but competition math problems go a little deeper and “out-of-the-box” than standardized tests, which I like. Not trying to brag or anything, but I’ve scored perfect 36 and 800 on math without prep, mainly because I’ve participated in these math competitions.</p>
<p>Caution, I wouldn’t try to crank out an entire AMC12 test in 75 minutes, many of the latter problems can be quite tricky (even for me). I’d probably try the first 10 or 15.</p>