<p>I desperately need a 32 on the ACT. I got a 31 in September and most likely today on the October 27th ACT. I know I'm not the only one who knows that their last chance at getting their desired score is on December 8th. I know I could have gotten a 32 today, but I was too nervous and stressed before the test, and that seemed to carry over to the actual thing. I'm worried that I will have extreme test anxiety before the December ACT, since its my last shot. </p>
<p>Do you guys have any tips or tricks to keep yourselves calm and relaxed prior to and during the ACT? </p>
<p>Also, I keep getting 33's on the Math Section, but on the real thing I seem to do worse. I know all the material, its just that I seem to rush and make stupid mistakes that never occur on practice tests. Do you guys do the first 30 or so math questions as quickly as possible, or do you read the question carefully then answer the question and make sure to take your time? I have used up all the practice tests I have: online and in prep books. </p>
<p>It’s like we’re the same person - I had so much test anxiety and I’ve been getting 35, 36 on Math but this time I guessed on like 10. It was terrible.</p>
<p>Well, math is a strange beast. In June, I rushed through the easy ones, missed 2, but finished all the harder ones, missing 2 of those for a math score of 32 and a composite 33. However, this time, I took my time, but ran out of time for the last two problems. I guessed right on the last one, but I missed 59 and I think 2 earlier problems that I didn’t have time for. Also, this test seemed harder so the curve may (should) be easier. I didn’t do a lot of prep, but I took maybe 4 practice math sections. I alternated not timing myself and then timing myself. On the ones I didn’t time myself, I actually tended to finish faster, and typically missed 0-1. But on the ones I only gave myself 60 minutes on, I never finished and usually missed 2-3. I think it has something to do with watching the clock and getting nervous about how much time you have left, which makes you panic and make careless errors. Just my two cents.</p>
<p>I agree with musiclife73 in that the science AND math sections having been drawing quite a bit of worry from fellow testers. The curve might be more lenient as he said but to do with anxiety, I suggest just eating a light breakfast (DON’T drink too much liquid! I had to pee FIVE times during the test as a result of drinking half a gallons of OJ). I got a 31 comp last time around but this one is just…idk…</p>
<p>Does anyone have any ACT Math pacing strategies? I feel that I’m rushing on the first 30-40 questions, which leads to stupid mistakes and wrong answers. Obviously the answer is to slow down, but has anyone had this problem before and corrected it? </p>
<p>I get consistent 33’s on practice tests, but on the real test I get so worried about time that I try and do everything in a hurry. Any advice?</p>
<p>My testing strategy is to not do anything when I wake up for the test. I don’t check facebook, email, anything. Those things will only distract you during the test. Another thing is to be confident. Being confident will dispel your fears, and if you feel you’ll do well, you’ll do well! On the test, I finish the section as quickly as I can, and I use the remaining 10-15 minutes checking, double checking, and sometimes triple checking my answers. That technique will usually catch any errors.</p>
<p>Honestly, do 30 mins of diaphramatic breathing before the test. Also stop focusing on “i need a 32” and focus on the fact that u scored higher than that on multiple practice tests and that a 31 is still an excellent score. A 31 puts you in like the top 94% of all test takers. Focus on that, maybe that will calm your nerves a bit</p>