Firstly, I want to apologize ahead of time to all the veterans who have seen this question a thousand times before; I don’t mean to be redundant!
Some background: I’m a senior and have taken the ACT twice–in June and earlier this month in September. I received the same composite on both tests, which was a 31. Weak, I know. My main problem is how unbalanced I am in terms of individual scores. Combining the best of both tests, I have a 36 English, 36 Reading, 27 Science, 27 Math, and 12 essay, which pulls my composite up to a 32. Those math and science scores are pitiful, but I’m really struggling to pull them up. I’m retesting again in October without writing, and, to be frank, I don’t have huge hopes that my math score will rise by much. Science is a maybe, but I thought I did well during this most recent test, and my score reflected otherwise. Besides continuing to study and to take practice tests, I’m just not sure what to do, and I’m really frustrated with myself. Has anyone else overcome this lack of diversity in test-taking skills?
Thank you so much. I really appreciate everyone’s help.
I am right with you in math and science scores. Fortunately, the science and math scores are the ones that can most easily be changed. Do you run out of time on the science portion. I only got a 30 overall, but I found that when I did not read the science questions I did much better. I went from a 27 to a 32 in science from not reading the science questions. More so I looked at the graphs present and made mental notes and physical notes about trends and main ideas. Such as study 1 50 degrees, study 2 40 degrees. This helped me differentiate the studies when questions were asked.
First, you have an ACT score that many, many young people would love to have! It is not pathetic at all.
You do have time to move the science and math.
Because your reading score is so strong, I think you will make the most progress by working on Science. It requires that same careful reading skills.
I will also say that for my students who did receive their scores, science has been low across the board for the Sept ACT, and maybe October will be a better test for you.
Continue to practice with REAL ACT tests in a timed setting.
Thank you both so much for you responses. I really, really appreciate your suggestions. I didn’t read the questions for the science section during the last test, but that clearly didn’t go fantastically, so I’ll keep playing around and practicing. Thank you again. I am truly grateful for your help!