I got a 34 when I took the October ACT. I am aware this is already very good and I would be satisfied, except that I can get a guaranteed scholarship at my first choice university if I get a 35.
These are my subscores:
36 English
32 Math
35 Reading
34 Science
I didn’t do much studying for my first ACT. However, I don’t think I could score any higher just relying on luck/familiarity with the test. I would like to put in some serious studying for my retake in either February or April to maximize my chances of raising my score.
What is the best way to raise a 34 to a 35? If I can raise my score by 1 point in any category, my composite will be a 34.5, which rounds up to 35. Is it best to just take a million practice tests and really drill my mistakes to try to improve in science or reading, or to try to get some tutoring, especially for the math section?
Additionally, what review books have helped you or your child to earn a 35-36?
Thanks!
It looks like focused Math practice may be the easiest way to move your score.
Do you need a super score of 35 or a straight 35 composite?
As you know, you can get at a max 2 wrong per section and that leaves very little room for error if you need a composite score of 35.
I need to get a 35 in one sitting, not superscored. @HereToHelpYou
I would like to improve my math score. I’m in AP Calculus so my 8th-9th grade math knowledge is a little rusty… I always seem to run out of time on the last 3-5 questions. I don’t make many stupid errors- my biggest issue is knowing conceptually how to approach some of the more difficult algebra and coordinate geometry questions.
Got it. Thats tough, but certainly doable. Clearly, you know the bulk of the content. Prepping for Feb test would be your best bet, in case you need to take it again.
Timed practice tests will help. I want you to use ONLY Real ACT tests to practice with.
Reviewing any math problems you miss will be key. Consider ACT Quantum for videos for every ACT Math problem.
You can PM me here if you need help with specific topics.
Thanks! I’m currently prepping for a December SAT subject test, but I will start my ACT studying as soon as I am done with that. I will definitely check out ACT Quantum! 
and yes, I might take you up on that offer for help with certain topics.
@HereToHelpYou
Also to brush up on math topics consider the ultimate guide to sat math by richard f corn ( its the red and black book) for only like $13 on amazon
Thanks for the tip @wanderlustgal
Hi guys! I’m also taking the ACT this Saturday. My English and Writing scores are high, 35-36, but my math and science scores are pretty low. Math is around 29, and science fluctuates a lot, 25 to 31, usually 27. Do you guys have any tips for cramming? Like should I just keep on taking practice science tests or review math concepts from somewhere? I want to get my math and science scores to at least 30. Also, do you guys have any tips on the essay? I can’t find much on the new essay format on CC. Thanks in advance!
And also, how do you guys touch on each perspective without directly repeating what they’re saying?
I’ve never done the essay haha, but for science I would guess that test-simulating practice would help more than studying random science topics. I normally attack the science section by not reading the information, but first answering the questions, which usually mention which graph/table they refer to. Is your science issue time constraints or misinterpreting the studies? @ironsweater
Thanks! Mostly time constraints. Hopefully taking a bunch of practice tests this week will help. Do you have any tips for the math? @Studious99
I normally struggle with time on the science section also @ironsweater . I would advise you to practice a lot and to not read the information at the start of the passage… just go for the questions right away. Don’t waste time reading the parts of the graph you don’t need, and if you don’t initially understand what a question is asking after seeing it for like 10 seconds then skip that passage and return to it at the end. Yeah, I think that being more familiar with the format of the questions will help a lot. In my state, we take the ACT Explore in 8th and 9th grade and the ACT Plan in 10th grade, so we get a lot of extra practice with the science section.
I got a 32 so I’m not super qualified to give advice… I guess it’s important to go through the first 45 questions as fast as possible but maintaining accuracy to save time for the last few. I had to guess on my last 3 or 4. I would recommend doing a practice math section but continuing to work on it for as long as you need after you’ve passed the time limit, and mark the answers you changed as “extra time” answers to see how much of a score discrepancy there is and to come up with ways you could have taken shortcuts or worked faster through those problems. I suppose you could try programming your calculator to solve quadratic equations to save some time during the test also, but I haven’t done this and don’t know how to. It’s probably relatively easy to find out.
@ironsweater practice tests this week will help. If you are struggling with time on math, try not to get bogged down on any one question.
Sweep through the test and do any problems that you can knock off quickly.
On your second sweep through, try using the answer choices to help you, and eliminate any incorrect answers.
You will want to answer every question, so if you can eliminate a few choices it will improve your odds.
Thanks everyone! Good luck
@ironsweater Also, I know you will be studying a lot this week, but try not to study for at least a day or preferably a day and a half before. Coming across new knowledge that close to the test will just stress you out and exhaust your mind. Try to watch TV or get some exercise the day before to relax mentally Post how it goes! Good luck!
bumping because I ended up getting a 35 at last.
if anyone wants advice, @HereToHelpYou and @wanderlustgal put some good tips on here