<p>
As I mentioned before, most of the suggestions I read were to use the Red Book. I bought it used on Amazon for I think less than $4. I took the last two practice tests (which were actual previous admins of the ACT) and the practice test from the ACT website (<a href=“http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf[/url]”>http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf</a>). They also have practice questions online: [ACT</a> Test Prep : Sample Tests](<a href=“http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html]ACT”>http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html) </p>
<p>The first time I went through untimed so that I could do my best and get a feel for what the questions are like. The second two times, I timed myself and saw in which sections I had the most and least time leftover and adjusted my speeds accordingly. For me, science was the most difficult to crunch for time with an average of just 5 minutes per passage. Since the passages become increasingly difficult, I actually started with the last passage and worked my way backwards. I made sure to spend no more than 5 minutes on each passage whether I answered all of the questions or not, and then I went back and completed whatever I didn’t finish the first run-through.</p>
<p>With reading, I didn’t read the questions first, but most people recommend doing so before reading the passage. The rule of thumb is to NEVER assume an answer is correct based on implications in the story. The answer must be stated in the passage pretty much exactly. Instead of looking for the “right” answer, start by eliminating the “wrong” answers. If it wasn’t stated in the passage, it isn’t correct. You shouldn’t have to assume, deduce, or reason to come to any of the answers (contrary to some of the questions asked on the SAT).</p>
<p>English is pretty much you either know the rules of grammar or you don’t. The best way here is, again, practice; see what questions you miss and you’ll probably learn some grammar and punctuation rules along the way.</p>
<p>Math will also be improved with practice; figure out which types of questions you are struggling with and focus on those.</p>
<p>In all cases, always review the questions you answered incorrectly. Read the explanations and try to figure out why you chose the wrong answer. Many times, you will find that it was a really easy question but that you missed a basic fact or clue; then you know that next time, you need to be more careful and watch for certain things.</p>
<p>I didn’t spend hours upon hours of studying, read the Red Book from cover to cover, hire a tutor, or take a prep course for hundreds of dollars. Many people underestimate the value of practice, especially when it comes to these standardized tests, and maybe it doesn’t work for everyone, but it sure is what got me a 35 composite. Hopefully it will be the key to your success as well.</p>
I screwed up Math (aaargh!), even though it was my highest along with Science on practice tests…well, aiming for that 36 in Science in June/October? (“which date should I taaaake?”)