So I don’t have as much time as I thought I would, I’m taking the ACT in October for the second time. Didn’t do so good the first time(contrary to my practice tests) I have two prep books that were given to me, one is the 2012 edition of the Princeton review act prep and the other is 2015 Kaplan review. I’m wondering if I should go with the newer one? Or if the brand makes a huge difference? Or If I should ditch those both and get a different one? If you have experience with either of these please give me some insight on which has worked better for you. I will say that the practice test I took was from the Kaplan version and I did much higher on it than the real act, so does that mean it’s not an accurate book?
i think brand does make a difference. princeton review isnt that close to the actual test. i would suggest kaplan or, if getting a new book is an option, get the big red Official ACT Prep Guide. the official prep questions on the ACT website are also helpful.
@aly901
Practicing with real ACT tests is the way to go.
The red book has 5 tests to get you started.
The red book is good, but it doesn’t have the changes for the newer tests. The essays aren’t the same anymore, and they changed the number of types of science passages and added double reading passages. Still the most authentic practice test source, though.
I was unaware of the changes. I knew the essays changed but I didn’t know other things changed. Have you taken it recently? Could you explain a little more? @forceawakener
This is the strategy I teach my students for the double passage
- Read passage 1; answer questions related to passage one (you may have to skip around)
- Read passage 2; answer questions related to passage two
- Answer questions related to the comparison of both passages
I think double passages are easier than single passages because the test makers pick easier passages. The problem is reading both passages and keeping them straight. Tackle the more difficult questions- those about both passages- last.
Prepare for this question: What would the author of passage 1 probably say about X in passage 2? That is almost always a question answer to the question.
These ACT tests have double passages:
Humanities of 1572cPRE (2015-2016 Test Bulletin)
Humanities June 2014 72C
Humanities 72G Dec 2014
Social Science on 73 C June 2015
The Real ACT is a great resource but if you are improving to a higher level, we found Barron’s 36 to be very helpful.
he best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. The 3rd edition of the Real ACT Book (Red Book) has 5 tests to get you started. They are old, but you will get a feel for most of the concepts. Then move on to released tests from 2013/2014/2015. Using the work throughs in the ACT Black Book is also very helpful.
*****DO NOT USE THE READING PROMPTS IN THE RED BOOK. Use the materials a at this link instead: http://www.actstudent.org/writing/enhancements/
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 then review only what you got WRONG after each practice session.
I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each week night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.
Track your progress!