First practice I got a 30 composite( 27 E 27 M 28 S 36 R)
Second practice I also got a 30 composite (34 E 26 M 30 S 31 R)
I haven’t studied at all beyond just randomly taking these two tests. I’m taking the February ACT and have just recently purchased the official ACT book but I don’t really know where to start. What were some of your study schedules? I’m hoping to bump my score to a 34.
I am studying for the ACT now and have actually found that review books are great and cheap (most around $20 on amazon). Try to take the official ACT practice tests (I see that your scores above are really inconsistent, which could be a sign of taking poorly written practice tests). Good luck!
It’s definitely a process.
Begin with content. Taking 2 practice tests are good because now you can gauge what areas you are lacking and which areas you come by with ease. It seems as though your scores fluctuant highly, so try to briefly cover all 4 subjects before moving on. Your reading looks strong so I wouldn’t devote too much time to it. But English seems to be a bit of a trouble of area and your science could use a boost. Also your math seems to be lacking. Start by buying a few (or just one) review book and sit down and really look over all the concepts. I recommend the Princeton Review Elite 36, they have awesome strategies. Also here’s a link to the best ACT Math prep books: http://blog.prepscholar.com/the-10-best-act-books-recommended-for-act-prep Make flash cards on key points and drill in the content. Spend however many days needed until you feel like you know all the potential concepts like the back of your hand.
Then move to the test and reflection cycle. This, I believe is the most beneficial way to study for the ACT. This is how I made 35 and 34’s constantly in reading, math, and english. Start by using REAL ACT practice tests (you could find a lot online but I’ll provide a link). Take practice tests, grade them, and then reflect on them. After each test I would took each section, look at all the ones I answered incorrectly and guessed on and analyzed what I did wrong and how I can fix the issue. This way I knew exactly what were my weak points so I could be aware of them. Without this, you’ll struggle to really understand what you’re doing wrong.
Here are some quick links to read more:
http://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer
http://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links
In the end, test scores are NOT everything! Make sure you focus on finding yourself and what you love!
Best of luck!