Can I raise my act score of a 31 to a 33? How much work will it take?

Hi everyone,

So before I got a 31 on the ACT, I took a prep class with Princeton Review. On the first practice test I got a 28, then on the second a 28, the third a 31, and the fourth a 29. Then on the actual ACT I got a 31. I was happy with it for a bit, until I realized that in order for me to be in the 75th percentile for some of the UC’s, I need at least a 33. This issue is that I already took the prep classes before my first ACT test, and will not be taking any more classes before I take the ACT for the second time. Could I really boost more score two points by some other means like self-studying possibly? Or should I just accept my 31 and maybe just try for a 32? Thanks.

Yes of course you have the potential to increase from a 31 to a 33, especially since it was your first attempt. Take several more real ACT timed practice tests, analyze and learn from every single mistake and you should be able to improve. Good luck. Nice score to get you started!

I would try looking at Prepscholar’s website for tips. Doing so boosted my score from a 30 to a 33 (34 English, 30 Math, 35 Reading, 34 Science) with minimal studying. I also think the new ACTs have more lenient curves so that should be in your benefit.

It depends on your area of weaknesses

^ - Exactly. Please provide your subscores and we can help you.

And what year are you? first semester junior? What math are you taking right now?

My subscores: English: 31

Math: 30
Reading: 31
Science: 31

I’m a first semester junior and I’m taking pre-calc honors.

@ucAdmirer – My D18 got a 30 midway through Pre-Calc Honors in Feb as a sophomore. She took it again this Oct as a junior and got a 33. You have a nice balance throughout your scores so there isn’t one area that’s hurting you. Look at the problems you’re missing and see if they fit a pattern … then hit that pattern hard in prep. Also try skipping harder questions at the beginning so that you can get all the low-hanging fruit first then loop back to work on the more difficult ones.