<p>So, my composite was a 31, and the breakdown was as follows:</p>
<p>English: 35
Reading: 36
Math: 31
Science: 23!!!</p>
<p>If I am applying as an English major to the typical, competitive LACs, should I be worried?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>No, it hurt your composite score but a 31 is still competitive. Science is considered least most of the time anyway, especially for english majors at LACs. You are still competitive with this ACT</p>
<p>thanks for replying/making me feel better!</p>
<p>that's what happened to me my first time.</p>
<p>i got my science up from 23 --> 32 though. no excess study. just rushed myself the second time.</p>
<p>dumb section.</p>
<p>so take it again!! and you could get like a 33-34.</p>
<p>Science...is NOT dumb. it is love :]
(well then again, I am a natural science type person :P)</p>
<p>I meant the science section is dumb on the ACT because it's just random graphs, and not even science. Haha just my opinion.</p>
<p>My D is about to take the ACT in 2 weeks, but her studying focus has been on SAT (taking it now!). Few kids here take the ACT, so there's nobody to advise her - do those of you who've improved your science scores have any advice for a preparation blitz? She's comfortable with graphs and is good at reading comprehension. Will taking some practice tests be the most helpful thing she can do with her limited time? Or are there strategies that differ from SAT strategies that she should learn about? Like the OP, she'll be applying to elite LACs with an English/History interest. Thanks!</p>
<p>FauxNom: I am a parent, but from what I remember when my D1 took the ACT after prepping for the SAT, your D should definitely take a practice test for the science, especially with the timing....also, it was highly recommended to look at the questions first on the science before trying to actually read the passages and focus on reading the graphs provided.....hope this helps a little....</p>
<p>The ACT is very easy to learn.
Everything is set out "this many question about _<strong><em>, this many about _</em></strong>"</p>
<p>I've taken it. Although I found it easier than the SAT, I got the same score (when converted)</p>
<p>As for the science section, all you need to learn is how to read graphs under an extreme time crunch.</p>
<p>Once you are familiar with it, it will definitely become one of the easier sections.</p>
<p>Thank you! So it sounds like the challenge on the science section is really the time crunch. Good to know.</p>
<p>As long as you take the ACT again, you shouldn't need to worry. The ACT is all about practice, and messing up on the science section is nothing to worry about on your first try because out of all the sections, the science section has the hardest time crunch. I took the test three times and this is how I progressed from just taking the test, and no real prep:</p>
<p>1st time:
Composite: 30
English: 28
Math: 33
Reading: 35
Science: 25</p>
<p>2nd time:
Composite: 33
English: 31
Math: 34
Reading: 33
Science: 32</p>
<p>3rd time:
Composite: 35
English: 35
Math: 34
Reading: 36
Science: 35</p>
<p>Getting used to the format is the main factor for doing well on the ACT. I consider the SAT to be a much harder test.</p>
<p>Hackysack - That's phenomenal improvement! Did you do intensive prep or tutoring or classes in between tests? D took the ACT yesterday, and the time crunch on the science really was intense. It sounds like she felt okay/so so about the math, and good about the reading/writing/essay.</p>
<p>After my first try, I only prepared for the exam by looking at the practice science questions on the ACT website. In all honesty, the best way to improve your score is just by taking the test multiple times. Getting used to the setup under time constraints can help much more than studying up on impressive literature or taking preparatory courses. Different methods work for different people though, so of course my advice isn't perfect. Sorry I can't be of more help =/</p>