So I took the April 8th ACT after prepping for it with practice tests throughout the whole month of March. My practice test results ranged as follows:
English 32-35
Math 25-29
Reading 30-34
Science 30-34
Actually, I took a timed English section the Monday before the Saturday test date and I scored a 35 on it. So, as you may guess, I was really disappointed when I received my scores and only got a 25 composite…29E, 25M, 25R, 22S. I only expected between a 25 and 27 for the math but the other scores were both unexpected and disappointing.
I did forget my watch so I may have just rushed to finish each section and was just sloppy. Also, I’ve never done well under pressure/being timed for anything. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it possible I just had a bad test day? I’m just really disappointed because, clearly, I’m capable of at least a 30, but my real test did not reflect my practice tests at all. (These were all practice tests out of the Red Book, timed always). I’d appreciate any advice!
Have you tried taking the practice tests under time constraints? Try doing some practice tests again, but try simulating the actual conditions as close as you can, with a timer and no undue leniency (at least once before your next attempt, try to do it all in one go, with no breaks to simulate maximum pressure). Are you using the official practice tests? There are a lot of variables, but that science and reading score stands out (admittedly, science was my worst score too). You should definitely keep studying, and if you’re not using official ACT material, please post what you are using.
…That is interesting. Maybe you just had a horrible day, I dunno. You may have just had a rough test, so … try better next time. That really is the only advice I can give without sounding like an advertiser telling you try this, that, and the other.
If you did want that this, that, and the other advice, I’ll just throw some tips out to consider if you have not already:
In all of them, skip any difficult segments and come back to them in the end, esp. when they are in bulk. In my experience, the last segment on the Science has been the easiest one 2/4 times, and a roadblock of a science question can kill your motivation and time.
In reading, EVERY single answer choice in the entire thing is ALWAYS supported by the text. If you see two things that are plausible but can find definitive proof for one, pick it; there can only be one.
If you don’t understand a reading passage, scan through all of the questions first and reread it. If a reading passage is too difficult, skip it and come back to it after quickly finishing everything that is less challenging.
Do the comparative Science question last. It is usually the most time-consuming and the points are usually the hardest to get on it for most people.
On the math, try to find calculator tricks to make it easier and potentially invest in a better calculator (I loved my TI-84 Color edition and it is the best thing in AP Calculus). Solving complex equations can take as little as 30 seconds if you know the right calculator method (same applies to calculus). Knowing how to utilize y= to graph functions and find when they intersect/do something can easily get you a bunch of points.
Study hard using the KhanAcademy thing when you get ready for your PSAT. It is really close to the practice content they offer, and it might help you with the ACT later on.
Make sure to rework every problem you EVER get wrong on the ACT practice tests if you want maximum advantage.
Try to get 2/3 of the way through each test at half-time. This will help you with the last questions and will allow you to go back afterwards.