Hi.
I’m a senior in high school. I have a 3.6 GPA and I really need to score a 30 on the ACT. Any tips from folks who have scored this high or suggestions about how I should prepare?
Right now, I have a game plan from researching the Internet: study for an hour a night, do practice tests, review old math concepts, and tackle the reading and science sections a specific way.
I have confidence that I can do it but I’d like to have input from anyone who has made such an awesome score.
Thanks in advance!
Get a ton of sleep and eat a decent breakfast. Thats all I really did besides practice tests
PS I need a 30 for a presidential scholarship at this college I’m going to. This scholarship consists of full tuition, room/board, and $800 worth of books. In short: it’s a free ride and it’s REAL IMPORTANT.
Take one practice test.
Know how many questions there are and how much time you have per section.
Listen to jazz on your commute to the testing centre.
^^Never took the ACT but don’t listen to jazz. That just sounds wrong. Anyways, just know all the tips and tricks of the ACT, study from OFFICIAL practice tests, and stay calm. Btw have you ever taken the test before?
@bksoccer7 What do you mean “it sounds wrong”? You want to be calm and patient during your testing, and jazz is a great genre for inducing such. It’s hard to imagine anything better other than perhaps classical music. Works wonders for me and I don’t listen to much jazz.
@Hermit9 well we have to look at this in the point of view of a high school student. While there are some, most don’t enjoy jazz and find it boring. I think it would be better for him/her to listen to something they enjoy.
Hahaha come on guys I don’t think jazz is a critical factor for her/his score
If you struggle with the science section as Ive heard many people say its the hardest. Take it as a reading test rather than a science test as it does not test any knowledge based science concepts, Also time is CRUCIAL esp on the science and reading sections. It can make or break your score. As I could never finish the reading section (27 score, but the 2nd time I finished my science section 34 score up from a 27 when i didn’t finish.)
@bksoccer7 Yes, as a matter of fact. First time in the summer of 2014 and scored a 21 (-_-). Second time in summer of 2015 (I think) and scored a 20 l:( . But I try not to take those to scored into account since I was in a crappy situation and at both times I took the test and I feel much better as of now. 
@Hermit9 I actually quite enjoy jazz. Lol 8->
Buy this watch. When my kid got out of the ACT, I asked him if it worked. He said one word. “Godsend.” http://www.amazon.com/Pacing-Digital-Timer-Testing-Timers/dp/B009O08AW2
fwiw, he got a 30.
Listen to Mozart before- it will give you a boost for the first 15 minutes, then after that it’s just a flash in the pan (2015 psat reference anyone?)
On a serious note, eat food and sleep before, and DON’T study the day before, except a few easy Q’s to boost your confidence.
@MalBalboa Since you like it, I highly recommend it. If you didn’t, lol I wouldn’t care.
Seriously, every SAT, ACT, Subject Test, and AP exam I’ve taken has been preceded by some Miles Davis. I’m confident it helped me get a 34.
Son took it 3 times 25-33-36. no studying, little studying, more studying. His advice:
- Concentrate on your weakest sections. He improved CR 5 points between #2 and #3.
- Do lots of practice tests. Use hardest possible material (see Amazon). Make sure you time your practices.
- Don't study or review a day or 2 before the test to rest your brain. Maybe a brief formula review the day before.
- Skip questions you can't answer and return to them. You may find the answers in subsequent questions.
- The watch idea listed above is great. A lot of kids don't take a watch, and many classrooms don't have a clock. The only caveat is that you should try to reach the halfway mark before you use up half your time, because harder questions tend to be put at the end. If you don't want to buy that one, just wear any watch.
- Get a good night's rest. Eat a light breakfast and take a snack with you, such as an apple and water or whatever you like, to eat during the break.
- Take the test every time it is given until the last test date you can use to get the scholarship. My nephew had trouble finishing and made a 24 as a sophomore. He took it eight times and ended up with a 34 on the last attempt. That's not common, but it can be done, particularly by someone who is scoring low due to time pressures.
- Good luck!
What college are you thinking about? I got a 31 by doing three full length practice tests only. I also covered some material in the Princeton review book.