Hello, I am currently taking a practice test a day until the ACT on the 24th. I am scoring at about a 34 on all of the sections except math. I usually score a 28. Is there any way to improve? No matter how many tests I take I always find questions that stump me in math. I would use Khan academy, but I don’t know what to review. Also, are there any good ACT math prep books you used? Please advise!
What you might want to try instead is to spend some time on the other sections. If you can raise the other sections to 35’s or 36’s then your math can stay the same.
I used the underground guide to the act and it was really helpful (I got a 36 
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If you can get a 28, you have a good mastery of the content. You may need to work on the technique you are using to take the test.
Consider these points on your next practice tests:
- EASY questions count just as much as hard questions. The math test is NOT IN ORDER from easy to hardest, but most students will find the last ten problems the hardest.
1st Sweep: PICK off the easy ones first that you can get QUICKLY (less than 30 seconds)
2nd Sweep: Do those questions that take longer but you think you can get right. Try plugging in the answer choices here.
3rd sweep: Guess! Do not leave blanks. Ever.
- A SMALL mistake will lead you to an answer that seems right (but is wrong!) Use your calculator for even simple math.
- The ACT is very detailed. RECHECK your answers on this section if you have time.
- Cross out wrong answers. This will save you time on your second and third sweeps.
- if there are no numbers in the Q or A, use your own! Just do not pick 0 or 1.
Are you serious @cccrazy2016 Is that book all you used? I read it and it seemed unhelpful. Did you do anything else? I’m scoring around 32-34 now
@Geocach How do you manage to score a 34 on reading? What’s your strategy?
@leonardo2020 Honestly, I spend a total of 3 minutes reading each passage. I don’t skim because I feel like it takes more time to find the answer. I spend 5 minutes answering questions. Usually most of the questions are pretty easy because I read in detail, but if it requires me to look through the entire passage I’ll skip it until the end. I find that the first passage always takes the longest, but the last one seems pretty straight forward. I’d say to really be attentive during those 3 minutes reading and the questions should be no problem. The only time I miss any is if I’m pressed for time or I make assumptions. You can NEVER miss a questions if you find the answer restated in the passage. It can’t be stressed enough to take as many practice tests as you can to get a feel for the timing and questions.
The most important thing to remember is that all of the questions need to be directly stated in the text. You can’t choose and answer just because you think it’s “implied”. The test tries to fool you when it asks you to logically infer something. Also, it really helps for me to remain focused and circle the questions in the book and waiting to transfer them to save time. Just make sure to read carefully and accurately blaze through the questions. Remember that and you should be golden.