<p>I took an ACT practice test in Jan. and I got:</p>
<p>Composite 25
English 27
Reading 27
Math 21
Science 23</p>
<p>I took the real test and I got
Composite 24
English 31
Reading 24
Math 20
and Science 21</p>
<p>I don't know what happened but I don't think my chance of getting into the school I want are good. I didn't study as hard as I shouldv'e. I know I can do the math but I need help with pacing myself. Same thing in sci.</p>
<p>I wan't to make at least a 5 point jump. I will be taking it over in Sept.</p>
<p>I have tried to start a study regime with the ACT books I have but I need more things.</p>
<p>Would you guys suggest a prep class that might help?</p>
<p>Also, how much studying a day per subject do I need to make that jump?</p>
<p>Thanx</p>
<p>Prep classes don’t really work. My best advice is to get a watch.</p>
<p>ok that help with the pacing part but what about the other stuff?</p>
<p>Well, what gives you the most difficulty on the tests?</p>
<p>THe math. One part is just the time but the rest is that I just don’t get it. I know I can solve it but I sometimes don’t get what equation or what formula to use and because of that I waste time.</p>
<p>I would suggest getting the math book your schools offers and teaching yourself precalculus and Algebra II. Those kind of questions are very common from question 40 through 60. Before that, I recommend studying proportions, fraction, basic probability, and basic geometry (especially parallel lines and their angles).</p>
<p>Thanx. So would it be a waste to pay for a class?</p>
<p>I also had a 24 on my first ACT. I did a lot of studying by myself and got 29 on the next test. Practice is key.
I’m shooting for 33 next.</p>
<p>@45 days</p>
<p>How long did you study inbetween your tests and for how many hours a day?</p>
<p>What books did you use?</p>
<p>I also made a 5 point jump with practice and familiarity.</p>
<p>First time: 25. E:28 M:23 R:27 S:20? idk something bad</p>
<p>Second: 30. E:34 M:32 R:27 S:27</p>
<p>Don’t be intimidated. Relaxing and keeping your cool during the test is key.</p>
<p>EDIT: For math, I studied quite a bit. I used free resources to boost my score. First of all, go to the ACT website and find out exactly what they test on math. (I think it’s under “test description” or something.) Then Google search “DCHS ACT math” and go through all the problems. It’s awesome - that guy’s like a personal tutor. After a while, every ACT math problem will look exactly the same and solving them will become second nature. Additionally, I used <a href=“http://www.khanacademy.org%5B/url%5D”>www.khanacademy.org</a> and went through almost everything that I was the slighest bit uncomfortable with. He is also a fantastic teacher. Just do a little bit every day and you will progress quickly.</p>
<p>I actually took the second test at the beginning of my freshman year at community college.
I studies for about two and half months.
I used PR for English and Math strategies. Developed kind of my own way to tackle the Reading and Science.
I took also used to Real ACT book, and other old ACT tests I could find online.
It’s definitely possible if you commit yourself to it.</p>
<p>1st Test: E:27, M:28, R:16, S:23, C: 24
2nd Test: E:28, M:31, R:27, S:29, C:29</p>
<p>so it’s probably best to study my books. Should I at least get the $100 online Kaplan course?</p>
<p>I went from a 28 on my first ACT with basically no study to a 32 next test. What I did was get as many practice tests as I could and just did them all. Make sure you do them all within the proper time constraints. I would recommend getting the Princeton review book that has 1200 and something questions in it as well as their regular guide which has tutoring and 3 practice tests. I also had a few tutor sessions, but I don’t know how much those helped. Practice, practice, practice is the key and start EARLY. Good luck!</p>
<p>I got a 26 on my first test, and a 29 on my second. I didn’t study for either of them, just went in and took the test. I was sick on both days too. The second time I just knew what to expect. Maybe I might have studied for the second time if I wanted to attend a college where I needed a better score. But then again, a friend of mine got a 33 on her first one and studied really hard for the next one and only got a 34. So it all depends I guess.</p>
<p>Just study problems everyday and take timed practice tests often. That what I need to do for a higher score?</p>
<p>here ya go. you should really go through each problem.</p>
<p>[DCHS</a> ACT Math Question of the Day](<a href=“http://sbstjohn.com/QODWebSite/act_qod.htm]DCHS”>http://sbstjohn.com/QODWebSite/act_qod.htm)</p>
<p>@gaarachick, if you are still interested in an online course I would recommend the Brightstorm course. It’s $100, and some of the strategies they give are really helpful. They also give different practice worksheets for different areas.
I only know this because I did the free trial thing with them when it was available.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all of your help. I will start my study schedule today. Please let me know if you guys bump into any new things I could try.</p>
<p>If money is tight (and the prep courses are ridiculously expensive), I am of the belief that one can make substantial improvements in ACT scores by using the red book and structured, disciplined study. I had an 8 point improvement in Science and a 7 point improvement in Reading simply by taking several practice tests and carefully examining everything I had gotten wrong. I cut myself 1-2 minutes short on each section of my practice tests so that I would be sure to finish each section on time during the test (and I did it like clockwork come showtime). Having somebody time you and call out the time warnings will help you get used to the disruption and time pressure, as well. </p>
<p>In conclusion, based on my own experience, someone can make large jumps in their score using only a watch, red book and unadulterated concentration. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>