I am new to this forum, but was hoping for some advice regarding testing for my daughter who will be a Junior this year. She took a practice ACT test without preparing or ever seeing the test before. Her scores were very good (I think) from doing this blindly:
English 34
Math 33
Reading 36
Science 34
Math will definitely improve once she reviews geometry which she took 2 years ago.
With these scores, I really think she can study on her own rather than pay for a class or a tutor. What are your thoughts and if she does opt to self study can you recommend a book(s) or an online program.
Thanks!
Wow really impressive! I think the consensus is the “Real ACT Prep Guide” aka the Red Book should be the initial study material. It contains 5 practice tests from the makers of the test.
The Red Book sucks. It’s outdated. You’re better off using recently released tests beginning with June 2014 because the newer tests have Double Passages in the Reading. And the Math and Science is much harder now than what the Red Book reflects. And there is a new essay format starting in Sept, so you better go on the ACT website to see what it looks like. The Red Book doesn’t have the new essay format.
The Red Book, though, is pretty good for English and Single Passage Readings.
The Red Book is ancient.
@momfrompitt I agree that there is no need for a tutor.
Does your daughter have a writing score? If not, consider adding writing to her next test.
The 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.
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!
Here is a detailed sample schedule to get started, modify it to meet your needs:
Mon: English section with review
Tues: Math section with review
Wed:. Reading Section with review
Thu. Off
Fri: Science Section with review
Sat: FULL ACT with review
Sun: Off