<p>So I took the ACT on April and to my dismay... I got a 29 Comp...
English and Math was decent with both 33s but I got mid 20s on Reading and Science..</p>
<p>So to regain my self-confidence, I plan on taking the ACT again in June..
I know what I need to do to prepare for science.. But I seriously have no game plan for the reading section :(</p>
<p>I mean I basically finished taking all the practice tests available (except for McGrall Hill because I heard those Practice Tests are too easy..)</p>
<p>So what should I do in order to score 29~31 on the reading section? Should I just read a lot of books/newspapers? Retake the old tests?</p>
<p>Also any tips on the other sections (like how to get a perfect on English and Math?)</p>
<p>I scored a 33 in reading on the April 09 ACT exam (missed two questions).</p>
<p>The best strategy is to read the entire passage quickly and answer as many question as possible after reading. If there are questions which you cannot answer then skip them. Repeat this for all passages.Return to any unanswered questions and skim the passage quickly for a possible answer.</p>
<p>For questions which are not merely fact based, it is vital that you quickly read a passage and understand general themes (as opposed to minutiae which you can skim for later).</p>
<p>I scored a 30 in English. The best method to beat this section is to read prose from many different sources. When you frequently read sophisticated writing you will pick up on English rules and grammar. On test day it will be easier to look at answers and tell which follow the convictions of English.</p>
<p>If you’re going to beat up the people at the ACT make sure they put in my scores first. I mean seriously people, it’s a scantron. It takes about thirty seconds, and I’m sure the computer reports it automatically.</p>
<p>I didn’t even take the essay part; this is bogus.</p>
<p>Yes i will go form a mob of highschoolers and burn down the act hideout.
Once that place is down to the rubble, we’ll go for the SAT hideout and eat them up alive.</p>
<p>36 Reading on April 9th admin (first time taking it)… here’s what I suggest:</p>
<p>
[quote]
[…]With reading, I didn’t read the questions first, but most people recommend doing so before reading the passage. The rule of thumb is to NEVER assume an answer is correct based on implications in the story. The answer must be stated in the passage pretty much exactly. Instead of looking for the “right” answer, start by eliminating the “wrong” answers. If it wasn’t stated in the passage, it isn’t correct. You shouldn’t have to assume, deduce, or reason to come to any of the answers (contrary to some of the questions asked on the SAT).<a href=“%5Burl%5Dhttp://talk.collegeconfidential.com/12515225-post393.html%5B/url%5D”>/quote</a></p>
<p>You shouldn’t have to rush. If you read at a swift, steady pace you should be able to have plenty of time to answer the questions comfortably. Really open up and clear your mind to read these passages; be enthusiastic and use the details and descriptions to place yourself int he setting. It helps to understand what’s going on.</p>
<p>Adding to what I mentioned in my quote above, even if you think you know the answer to a question (based on recall), check for it in the passage anyways. Sometimes our brains construct ideas and draw conclusions and we can easily mistake them for something we read word-for-word… which opens up the possibility of choosing answers that appear correct but may not be.</p>
<p>You really don’t have to prep much for this; just become really comfortable and familiar with the types of questions are asked, and be able to pace yourself well. The best way to accomplish this is through practice.</p>
<p>With science, timing is key. Give yourself 5 minutes on each passage and its questions, then move on. You may also want to consider starting with the last passage first and work backwards, so that you get the most difficult out of the way and then work easier as time runs out.</p>
<p>One person whom I know read 20 minutes a night. In the course of a year, his ACT reading jumped 12 points because of the increased comprehension, reading speed, etc.</p>