<p>I apologize if similar threads have been made about this, but I'm looking for some help on the Math and Science section. For the December test I got a 36 E, 32 M, 33 R, and a 20 S. Had I gotten even a 29 on the Science, I could have reached my goal of a 33. </p>
<p>Weirdly enough, I have the most problems with the Data Representation and Research Summary sections. The Conflicting Hypotheses one is easy, since I can treat like a Reading passage. My biggest problem with the Science is not interpreting the graphs fast enough. If I read the background info to know what's being tested, I run out of time. If I go straight to the questions, I spend a large amount of time figuring out what the graphs are supposed to mean, and then I run out of time.</p>
<p>As you can see, I run out of time no matter what I do. Is there a strategy that you Science wizzes use, either trained or inherently? </p>
<p>I've also heard that the Math section is the easiest to improve on. I got a 32 on it last time, but it sounds like that should be an easy 35-36. After analyzing my tests, I noticed that I always spend too much time on the "numbers" questions that require LCMs, GCFs, etc (how many odd numbers, how many digits, etc.). I know how to use them, but I have problems recognizing which problems to use them on. Anyone have any suggestions?</p>
<p>Well for math it is easy for most people because it is the easiest to finish in time. You should be able to do the easy questions quickly so that you have plenty of time on the hard ones. The material tested is easier than on the SAT and they don't try to trick you as much. Just learn those few topics that you keep missing and you should improve to a 35 with ease.</p>
<p>As for science, there's not much you can do except practice. Most questions are really easy if you just had the time to do them. You have to learn how to interpret the graphs faster I guess. And spend less time reading. You should never read the entire thing. Just skim it and look up information when u need to.</p>
<p>Hmm... Have you ever taken the SAT before? Maybe you could try. Without a science section it might work in your favour. Seeing as your English sections are well covered, and you're getting a decent math score the SAT should be pretty suitable for you...</p>
<p>But maybe it works for some and not for others. Just wondering....</p>
<p>What's your science background? What classes have you taken?</p>
<p>I know this isn't really good advice for improving your score in a reasonable amount of time, but what helped me get a good score was taking AP/honors science classes. You have no idea how much less intimidating it is to do those questions if you've actually done similar experiments.</p>
<p>^^^Yes, I've taken the SAT's. Let's just say it wasn't pretty :)</p>
<p>^^I'm taking Physics and just finished Chemistry II, both of which are the highest level in their respective fields offered at my school. We took General Science (earth sciences) Freshman year, and Biology Sophomore year. Our school only has AP (Senior) English.</p>
<p>^That would be nice if I had the opportunity lol.</p>
<p>This probably doesn't help (again), but I just immediately go to the questions. It's only necessary to read the passage if you really don't have any clue as to what's going on, imo. For instance, on the December test, if you had never seen or had any experience with nuclear decay, I can't imagine how you'd finish that section without reading the information. </p>
<p>I get your general problem that you end up running out of time, but why do you think you miss the questions you do have time to consider and answer? Or do you answer so few that you can only manage to score that high?</p>
<p>This probably doesn't help (again), but I just immediately go to the questions. It's only necessary to read the passage if you really don't have any clue as to what's going on, imo. For instance, on the December test, if you had never seen or had any experience with nuclear decay, I can't imagine how you'd finish that section without reading the information. </p>
<p>I get your general problem that you end up running out of time, but why do you think you miss the questions you do have time to consider and answer? Or do you answer so few that you can only manage to score that high?</p>
<p>^ ya i pretty much agree with that. screw the reading. i dont read ANYTHING on the ACT, unless of course, the question requires it. some questions u can knock out right away with just the graphs or data given without even knowing the experiment.</p>
<p>I get overwhelmed by all the info thrown at me — through both the graphs and the passages. On the last test I hadn't ever done nuclear decay; it was hell. </p>
<p>As far as my problem, I always find a way to second guess myself on the Science test, especially on the questions that ask you to make a new experiment. I do the "search and find" questions just fine, but the ones that ask for new inferences USING the data elude me. If I had enough time to sit there and absorb everything, I'd probably get a high score. However, I'm having severe problems understanding all of the material fast enough.</p>
<p>Yeah I sympathize. My friend is really smart but hasn't had much advanced science experience, and he didn't do too well on the science section. I think he got a 26, but I could be wrong. I don't really think ACT is honest when they say you can answer all the questions without prior knowledge, and it's because of the time limit. Nuclear decay was a prime example of that. I was extremely lucky, and happened to have reviewed it a week before for the physics subject test. </p>
<p>If you're a senior I guess there's not much you can do now, since you only have one more opportunity for most schools. But if you're a junior, take as many science tests as you can, and try to actually learn stuff from your school science classes. Another thing I recommend is to become familiar with different units from physics/chem. A lot of the time if you know what two units they're comparing then you can immediately know what they're testing for. Some good ones off the top of my head would be force, pressure, charge, volume, capacitance, resistance, etc. I have a feeling you'll improve a lot after you're done with physics (if you're a junior, that is). No matter the case, though, keep taking those tests and keep familiarizing yourself with types of questions they ask. Hopefully you'll become less intimidated at all the info. GL</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm a senior. I'm taking Physics this year, since Physics is senior-only (NO exceptions whatsoever, believe me I asked). My weakest section is Biology, so I'll try and review that.</p>