ACT Prep? HELP!!!

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

I’m planning to take the ACT test in Oct. this year. Shamefully and frustratingly, I’ve been “practicing”
the ACT for almost a month and my score did NOT go up at all (despite the fact that I felt like I’ve learnt a lot from my practices).
I’m asking for help with regards to the best prep materials and online programs.

My current materials are (which I do not find very helpful or I’m just not using them correctly):

  1. Kaplan ACT Premier 2016 (haven’t gone through all the materials yet)
  2. Manhattan Prep ACT 5 lbs. Book of ACT Practice Problems (have done a ton of practice on this one - still not boosting my score)
  3. Princeton English & Reading Workout for the ACT (haven’t used this one yet)
  4. Method Test Prep online program (not helpful!)

My question is how exactly should I prepare for my ACT to reach my desire score?
Anyone who has used PrepScholar? Is it helpful? Or does anyone have other recommendations for me?!

I really need some help! Thank you!

2

PrepScolar is 4 people who cant spell.

3

Oh the irony… Anyways, I am wondering: are you going over wrong answers after taking a practice test? It’s much more effective to know why you got a question wrong and know how you will not make the same mistake the next time. Taking practice tests without going over and owning your mistakes won’t improve your scores. This is what I’ve read from various ACT prep websites

4

I’ve gone through the answers and trying to figure out why. But when I take another practice test, it’s either another type of question or something I just don’t get it. Do you have any suggestions on the prep courses I may take?

5

Latin

6

My son improved his math score by using the Real ACT red book in conjunction with Barrons. In addition, he focused on the answers he missed and made sure he learned those concepts. The math section - you really need to know all the underlying concepts to do well.

Best of luck to you!

7

@BHan98

The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. The 3rd edition of the Real ACT Book (Red Book) has 5 tests to get you started. They are old, but you will get a feel for most of the concepts. Then move on to released tests from 2013/2014/2015. Using the work throughs in the ACT Black Book is also very helpful.

*****DO NOT USE THE READING PROMPTS IN THE RED BOOK. Use the materials a at this link instead: http://www.actstudent.org/writing/enhancements/

TIME each practice session to simulate the real test.

English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min

Score your test, and then review only what you got WRONG after each practice session.

I suggest the following schedule:

Take 1 section each week night/with review for 4 nights/week.

Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.

Track your progress!

Here is a detailed sample schedule to get started, modify it to meet your needs:

Mon: English section with review

Tues: Math section with review

Wed:. Reading Section with review

Thu. Off

Fri: Science Section with review

Sat: FULL ACT with review

Sun: Off

8

I agree, take as many practice tests as you can between now and the ACT - that is the best way to improve - then take the time to understand your mistakes. With the test a month away, you probably don’t have the time for Prep Scholar or any other course to provide any meaningful help.

9

I will be taking the ACT this month as well. I just started studying b/c it sort of crept up on me. I signed up in August and kind of forgot. I went into my guidance counselor’s office earlier this week ad she had some ACT test prep pamphlets that I’m going to use to study.

10

That is good @starjoy8, the booklets will be real ACT test for you to use.

Time yourself and review what you get wrong.

You can PM me here if you need help.

11

@HereToHelpYou, Thanks so much! I finished my testing and got a 30 composite, 25 science, 27 math, 31 English, and 35 reading and a 1800 on my SATs. :slight_smile: