<p>I took the ACT in June and got a 25. Needless to say, I was very, very disappointed. I think it has to do with the fact that I was really stressed out about the test, and went in with my nerves on edge ... And ultimately didn't do well. 29 in English, 24 in Math and Reading, and 23 in Science. 8 on the Writing test. I suppose, considering I am a sophomore, this isn't a necessarily bad score ... But on the other hand, I tried to prepare, rigorously. And it ended up not working.</p>
<p>But I want to get a 32 or higher. And I will take the test as many times as I have to in order to get that score. Really. Especially because I don't want some test trying to tell me how smart I am -- or worse, telling colleges.</p>
<p>So, can someone please give me some winning advice? And, can you tell me, is this kind of a jump really doable? Because I can't necessarily study too hard this time around. (And besides, I think maybe relaxing would do me more good, anyway.) </p>
<p>I don't really think I'll go from 25 to 32 immediately ... But is it possible to go from 25 to 29 on a second try and 32 on a 3rd try? Or something? </p>
<p>Thanks, your advice is much appreciated!</p>
<p>Going from a 25 to a 32 is definitely possible if you are willing to prepare rigorously and stay motivated. If you just want to relax and not study, then your scores definitely won’t increase. Time yourself on practice tests and dissect the questions that you get wrong so you don’t make the same mistakes in the future. </p>
<p>You mentioned that you are willing to take the ACT as many times as possible to increase your scores… I don’t recommend this. First of all, repeatedly taking the test won’t increase your scores, you need to prepare heavily for the test also. Second of all, colleges look negatively on applicants who take the ACT over three times. That being said, you will want to start preparing heavily for the ACTs now and then maybe take the test at the end of your junior year. If you don’t get the scores you want, you can always prepare more and take it again during your senior year.</p>
<p>For ACT guidance and helpful tips, check out Jeandevaches’ Guide to the ACT (Just search the forum for it). Buy The Real ACT Guide (The Red Book) for its five official practice tests. Also check out this forum for links to practice tests posted in threads.</p>
<p>Good luck on improving your scores! With determination and hard work, you can and will increase your scores!</p>
<p>Considering you are only a sophomore, you may not yet have taken higher-level math courses like Geometry and Algebra II. If you haven’t taken these classes, you will want to take the ACT after you have taken the classes so that you have a solid understanding of the material covered on the ACT. Geometry questions take up a huge chunk of the ACT math section, and Algebra II will help you enforce pre-algebra and elementary algebra, which also take up a lot of the ACT math section. If you don’t take these courses before taking the ACT, your scores won’t be your best because you will lack a solid understanding of the math topics covered on the ACT. </p>
<p>If you have already taken these classes, then do a thorough review of those topics that are covered on the ACT and then do practice tests to enforce the review. Regardless, taking practice tests and learning from your mistakes is the most effective way to prepare for the ACT.</p>
<p>Hm … I didn’t know that about colleges, looking down on those that take the ACT more than 3 times. But … How do they know how many times you’ve taken it? As long as you only send them 3 scores? Maybe you take the ACT 4 times but only send a college 2 of your score reports – how do they make such a judgement?</p>
<p>And yes, I’ve taken both Geometry and Algebra II … Math is simply not my strong suite. I’m considering trying to get a test tutor to help me improve in Math and Science (my weakest areas). Maybe even Reading, while I’m at it. Do you recommend this?</p>
<p>Yes, I forgot that you can designate which ACT scores you send to colleges. So it’s your choice how many times you want to take the ACT. Three times will probably get you to your desired score if you prepare well enough. After that, your scores probably won’t go up any more. It also depends on the colleges that you are planning on applying to. If the colleges want you to send all of your scores, then taking the ACT more than three times may be looked down upon. Since most colleges don’t superscore the ACT, prepare as much as you can, then take the test. Don’t think that repeatedly taking the test will increase your scores. I would say that you should take the ACT a maximum of four times. I have been told that taking the SAT more than three times is looked down upon by admissions committees, so I would assume that this applies to the ACT as well. Look for additional advice on this forum pertaining to how many times you should take the ACT.</p>
<p>If you are really struggling with math, then get a tutor. Getting a tutor for science and reading may help, but those sections of the ACT really come down to reading speed, which comes from repeatedly doing practice tests and reading on a consistent basis.</p>
<p>Well, of course, I’m not actually planning to take the ACT that many times anyway. “As many times as it takes” will probably/hopefully not be more than 3! And besides, it’s not as if I can’t get into college with a 25. So anything higher will do, in the end. </p>
<p>As for getting a tutor, I’ll look into it. Problematically, you’ve stated that the Reading and Science sections come down to reading speed – which is truly tragic, in my case. Although I am an avid reader, I read kind of slow. So, that probably explains my lower scores in Reading and Science. So, thanks for the advice! I will take some practice tests and try to work on being a bit speedier, or in the least, more attentive, when I read the passages. </p>
<p>Your help is much appreciated! =)</p>