<p>Hi all, I will be taking the ACT at the nearest opportunity(possibly Sept or Oct) and I wanted to ask users basically the title, what prep books do I need to buy in order to get a 36.</p>
<p>I will be self-teaching and studying independently for it, and since its summer, I want to prep ahead now. </p>
<p>This topic has probably been overdone before - but I am asking specifically. </p>
<p>Which books are imperative to purchase to get this score. I have access to all the past papers from the past few years.</p>
<p>I intend to go thoroughly through the guides and hit the past papers in time.</p>
<p>@tesfayeB Yep! It’s really good, it has 5 actual practice tests that were previously administered. I recommend timing yourself for each section, that way you can get an actual feel for the length of each ACT section</p>
<p>@235423 Thank you, I will definitely purchase this book, may I ask how long in advance you prepared for it and approx how many hours you set aside each day, I am international applicant, so I unsure how many hours a day to set aside to the ACT alone, Thanks for the recommendation. </p>
<p>@fnaticMSiNate It all depends. I only practiced for about 10 hours, but I practiced for the SAT at the same time as well for a lot more. A lot of the skills from both tests are interchangeable, so I’d recommend prepping for them simultaneously (if you’re also prepping for the SAT). One small thing I would mention is that ACT tests curves have become a little harder than the ones in the book, just because as the ACT has come more popular, more high scorers have been taking it. I would say take a practice test to measure your strengths and weaknesses, then use the book to study (it has helpful tips and information) then take another practice, and repeat until you feel completely comfortable. You should have a pretty good idea after the 5 tests (which cumulatively take 15 hours). Good luck!</p>
<p>@235423 Yep I responded to that, you have got a good resume. I wish you all the best :)</p>
<p>Oh yeah, who did you get your letter of recom from. I was told to be competitive in that aspect I needed to get one from a big time CEO/ ivy league alumnus etc. </p>
<p>^Absolutely NOT!!! I can’t stress this enough. You need two teacher recommendations (preferably from different teachers) and one counselor recommendation. After that, you can submit for one additional (I wouldn’t submit more than that) letter of recommendation. For this extra OPTIONAL letter, choose someone who knows you really well. I’m choosing the teacher who started the tutoring program from my resume with me. But if you don’t have anyone in mind, it’s not necessary. If this extra person is a CEO or alumni and knows you well, all the better, but they have to know you well and be able to truly speak to your character. </p>
<p>Oh, and as far as practicing for the SAT subject test in Math II, it really follows along well with a precalculus curriculum. Here was the main book I used for practice:</p>
<p>@235423 hey thanks for your reply, I have currently got the PR and Barrons book and am currently going through the tests, thanks for your help - its hard to find good help - good luck in the future :)</p>