Hey guys,
I’m planning to take the ACT in 1-2 months. I’m preparing really hard, but the results are the same. Is there a more effective method to prep?
Thanks for the responses.
what is your method now? and what score are you getting currently
@Cgonzalez50
I don’t have a specific method, but I’m scoring around a 26-27.
I want to improve to at least a 31.
I finished the “red book.”
How should I practice?
Read some of the posts on this site. They’re really helpful. If you follow some of the advice and take more timed tests using real tests, you can score C30+ by Sept.
Thanks @mmk2015
I will take more timed tests!
The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests.
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!
@HereToHelpYou
Wow! That sounds like a great plan, but wouldn’t a section a week be too little with too much review.
I’m taking a full test 2-3 days a week, and I’m scoring the same (26-27). I always review what I got wrong.
If you’re already taking 2-3 full timed tests a week and you’re stuck on 26-27, you really need to do a search on this site for test tips and strategies. The way you’re taking the test is messed up. But you can fix it. Do a search.
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.
I am suggesting you take 6 full tests per month, not a section a week.
I want you to spend time reviewing what what you got wrong. If your score is stuck, you need to look at the types of errors you are making, and learn any concepts you need to score well.
Does this make sense?
@HereToHelpYou
This makes sense. 1 section a week
I have to correct my mistakes before I take more tests so I won’t miss those questions.
Considering the fact that my test is on 9/12/15, I’m not sure 6 practice tests are enough.
How many hours a day do you think I should spend on this prep for me to increase at least 3 points? (26-29 or 30)
@mmk2015
Do you recommend the black book for strategies?
Most, if not all, books say the same thing. So pick a book that most CC students recommend. But use real tests to practice. Tests created by companies other than the ACT are garbage. They’re not accurate, don’t reflect the patterns you’ll see on real tests, and tend to have typos.
@Salutation Take 1 section each week NIGHT/with review for 4 NIGHTS/week.
You have about 7 weeks until the test. If you follow the schedule I outlined for you it will take appx. 12 hours per week x 7 weeks or 84 hours.
Just to be clear- here is a detailed sample schedule for you:
Mon English section with review 2 hours
Tues. Math section with review 2 hours
Wed. Reading Section with review 2 hours
Thu. Off
Fri. Science Section with review 2 hours
Sat FULL ACT with review 6 hours
S Off
If you do not study the questions you are getting wrong, you will not improve your score.
As @mmk2015 said, pick any review book and get started.
@HereToHelpYou
Thank you for the detailed outline of my schedule.
I will stick to that plan as much as I can, though I desired to pass 100 hours of prep before the test date.
I will use the real act prep book as my practice tests practice.
@mmk2015
Thank you for the recommendation of the books. I will try to use the actual practice tests like you said.
I have found cracking the ACT by PR to be helpful for English especially
@Cgonzalez50
Thank you for your response. I will check it out.
@Heretohelpyou That is a good plan. I am going to have my S follow it. Thanks.
I recommend you upload one of your tests to testive.com and see where your weaknesses are. Then focus on those questions. The software is free and it is great program.
@tganns
Thank you for the link!