<p>@CardinalZenn
Science changes: no more 5 question passages. still same types of passages though.
Reading changes: reading passages have new names. the last test had some hard passages. occasionally, there will be a passage in which they will have it split into 2 things and have you answer questions over each passage, then questions over both passages.</p>
<p>Both of these things threw me off a ton last time, but they shouldn’t do the same thing to you.</p>
<p>Also, how long did it take you to get to 780 wpm? what was it before then? do you think i can get any decent progress in 8 days? I’ve done a teeny little bit of work with speed reading software and I think my speed is 250-350 usually, but i’m ADD as fuck so sometimes that number gets really low.</p>
<p>@ everyone else ITT
any tips on how to improve science? more practice tests?</p>
<p>Thanks, I was getting worried that my preparation may have been in vain.
So for science, are there fewer passages with more questions to make up the difference? Also, are there any strategic changes you made to adjust to the new changes?</p>
<p>I started out at about 220wpm with 75-90% comprehension (these figures are based off of a few online tests I did). I think I started practicing and “speed reading” four months ago, but it did not become habit for a while. I did daily drills for three weeks or so, and after that I just used the method every time I read something.
I believe you can make decent progress in eight days. I’m not sure how long the technique usually takes to learn because I read a lot. I can usually get through multiple books in a weekend; so I’m not sure if my progress was accelerated or not.
The main thing to keep in mind is to use your hand. It’s very hard to describe, but our eyes basically track movement better than they move - if that makes sense. By moving your hand to guide your eyes while reading, it allows you to look at things faster. The hardest obstacle to overcome is reading groups of words at a time.
I recommend you look at some online tutorials, youtube, irisspeedreading, etc. But yes, you can definitely improve in eight days. </p>
<p>@CardinalZenn I’m not sure about fewer science passages. I think someone in another thread said maybe there was 2 7 question passages. Not sure. Something i do know is that you might not be able to know data representation passages from research summaries passages. Maybe you can, but i personally wouldn’t take the time to check.
As far as reading, I will likely not start on the double passage thing if it occurs. Last time it took me a long time to do the double passage, but plenty of other ppl on here did just fine with it.
I don’t think you need to change your study habits at all. Just be aware that these things will happen.</p>
<p>I’ll start working with the speed reader every day. I’ll sneak a reading practice test in too.</p>
<p>@ others
any tips on fatigue? after the math test i feel like hell. I’m eating right and sleeping right. I should also note that i had to sit around for about 45 mins before we started the test because they were processing things last time.
I’m going into next test caffeinated, btw. Might even sip some coke in the break. I drink too much every day to not drink any on the day of.</p>
<p>Just a general question about the ACT since this is my first time taking it.</p>
<p>The test with writing takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes but on the ACT website 8AM - 1PM means that it takes 5 hours. What is the other hour for and how long is the break between the math and reading?</p>
<p>Hey guys! I’m a senior in high school and I’ve applied to some very competitive undergraduate med programs with an 28 ACT: Math-31, Science-33, English-31, Reading-18 (time-management issues), Essay-8. Super scored, my composite is a 30. I don’t know whether to prep a little and standby test for the December test date or just take it as early as possible next year. I’ve already submitted my college applications with this horrible test score so I don’t know if retesting will make a difference in the admissions process. I am planning to apply to some Ivies and Johns Hopkins under reg. decision and understand that these scores will not suffice. Please let me know what I should do. </p>
<p>Also, anyone here experiencing drops in their practice tests? I just took my 12th practice test this month and my math plummeted; I was wondering if this is a normal fluctuation (it was a rather difficult section) or if I should be concerned. </p>
<p>@shyamalee this is your last opportunity as a senior to take the ACT. they will not let you or any other seniors take it again. make it count.
You can learn a bit in 6 days. for english study commas and modifiers, for math study wherever you can improve, and for reading do practice tests under pressure and also speedreading exercises.</p>
<p>@gminor Thank you so much for the advice. However, I am not certain if the December test date is the last for senior as last year, several seniors were able to take the ACT in June. </p>
<p>@shyamalee It was my understanding that Dec was, at least, the last opportunity for those kind of students applying to top schools. Ivies decide by april 1st, right? the only seniors i can see taking an ACT in June are those going to some public school under rolling admissions or something.</p>
<p>@gminor Yes, that is true. I know for a fact that Harvard will accept January and February test scores as only their CommonApp is due Jan. 1st. I have already applied to the schools I really want to attend, however, I would like to see an improvement in my scores, especially reading. I understand that retesting after this year is absolutely pointless and regret not even standby testing for the Dec. test. </p>
<p>@shyamalee Many schools will accept the Feb ACT for regular admissions and scholarships. Email your admissions counselor to check the policy for each school. it is not always clear on the school’s website.</p>
<p>Hey guys, I’m doing Princeton Review and currently I’m getting 26-28 on my practice tests. With English lowest and Maths highest. Will I be able to get a 30 on ACT this test? I guess I improved a bit in English, but Reading also is a problem, I’m getting 25-29 on reading. I’m worried. Can anyone tell me at where should I focus now?</p>