Throughout my life, I’ve always been a relatively poor standardized test taker. I recenenly got my scores back and got a 29. Although it’s not the worst score, it seems like everyone on this site has at least a 33+. I feel so stupid. I’m trying to get into some of the top colleges. I’m class rank #1 with a bunch of extra cirrucular acticltues and apparently write every good essays, but my standardized scores hold me back so much. My ACT goes as follows (I’ll be taking it one more time)
Science: 33
Reading: 32
English: 26
Math:24
Can someone please give me some serious tips on the ACT, particularly Math and English? I’ve hired a tutor. He was only able to work with me about two weeks before the ACT. I’m praying that when I take the next test in like 2 months, he’ll help me out a lot more. Any suggestions?
Most people do not get 33+ on the ACT. 29 can still get you into top colleges, and Im sure with practice that you can raise your score. You should be able to raise math by ALOT and same with English. Just practice hard every day
Try Barron’s review books. They tend to overprepare you and make the actual test seem easy. That style is not for everyone, but you might like it.
29 is a very respectable score, by the way.
there are many threads about this on the forum; and some helpful ones ive seen over the last year or two. unfortunately i didnt bookmark them – but search the forums and you’ll see alot of advice. good luck. my daughter is hoping to raiser her score too in april.
here is one bit i copied from a post that i thought made sense awhile ago to share with her:
"The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. There are 5 tests in the Red ACT Book, 3rd Edition. ACT released several tests in booklet form.
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 review only what you got WRONG after each practice session. I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each school night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review."
Consider yourself lucky that your worst sections are Math and English. Those are the easiest to improve. Get some prep books and practice and practice.
It is easy for teenagers to lose perspective. You are #1 in your class. Your ACT puts you in the 92nd percentile. Also with a little more work, you should be able to pick up a few more points. As the prior poster pointed out, Math and English are the easiest sections to improve upon. I would suggest a quality tutor and for you to set a schedule to work on ACT prep at least several hours a week. It can definitely pay off in terms of admissions, scholarships, etc. Your glass is way more than half full. Don’t get caught up in the fact that many CC posters may be the 1%ers.
Take the practice exams. Try to find as old practice exams as you can on the web. Get the Red Book. I wouldn’t bother studying Science or Reading. at first. Maybe just take the practice section tests once a week.
Just focus on the Math and English - one month for each section. You can get subscores in Math and English. After scoring the exam, take a close look at the subscores. Are all your mistakes in one area? Study up on your weaknesses.
For example, when my daughter was studying, I scored her English practice test. I noticed she usually only got at most 1 or 2 wrong in Rhetoric but she would get 10-15 wrong in Usage. She focused on studying Usage and managed to decrease the number of mistakes to 1-3 on her practice section tests. Her English went from a 25,26 to 34.
I think she took two practice section tests in either Math or English a week. Once in the beginning of the week to see how she was doing. Then she would study her weak areas and then take another practice section test at the end of the week. It was maybe 3-4 hours a week, including the practice tests.
Thanks so much for the replys! Keep them coming! I’m very glad to hear that the math and English are the easy to improve. My tutor has indentified weaknesses, particularly with math. I’ve come to realize that math is mainly just memorizing formulas, then the answers come easily. In terms of English, I defiantly felt like I got what I deserved. Although I’m generally good with grammar and such, I didn’t feel confident while taking the test. There were many questions that I felt like two answers could fit. Any tips on eliminated answers? I know that you should always choice the least repetitive and simplist choice. Thanks guys or girls! I truly do appreciate it.