<p>I have just received my ACT scores from my June ACT and I'm really unhappy with them. It was my second time taking an ACT (my first being in April). I go to one of the best high schools in Ohio. I took AP calculus last year as a junior and it dropped my GPA significantly. My GPA is only a 3.11 on a 4.0 scale. I don't have the best grades in the world partly because of my depression within the past two years.
Now that you have some background information, I'd like to explain my problem. To graduate with an honors diploma a student has to meet 8 of 9 requirements. I already have gotten 7 of the requirements completed, but I cannot for the life of me get one of the last two. I either need a 27 on my ACT or a 3.5 GPA. I talked to my counselor about the GPA and she said it would be nearly impossible as I am taking AP Biology next year. So my only choice is to get a 27 on my ACT. That may be easy for some of you, but I'm having the hardest time. On my first ACT I got a 24 composite. Eng-25, Math-26, Reading-22, and Science 24. On this past ACT I got a 23 composite. Eng-24, Math-23, Reading-23, Science-23. I felt like this June ACT was much harder, but I still feel I did better and I really thought I got the 27 I wanted, but I didn't by a long shot.</p>
<p>So.. The point of this was to ask for your tips and tricks to getting at least a 27 composite. Please feel free to share your stories to help guide me into the right direction. </p>
<p>If you school lets you replace the ACT with the SAT, you should try it out because who knows you might be fit for the SAT(mind you, this rare, most people score better on ACT). You would want to aim for a 1800-1860 (equivalent to 27 ACT). If not, I would get the red ACT book practice, see how you’re doing, (I assume you may already have that) and if your score still hasn’t improved take SAT.</p>
<p>I haven’t taken the SAT. I talked with the guidance counselor and she said that in replacement of getting a 27 on my ACT, I would have to get around an 1820 on the SAT. Should I take it just to see what I get? I’m not a good test taker…</p>
<p>I plan on attending University of Cincinnati. You don’t need high scores to get in there, but I still need a 27 to get the honors diploma I want. The major I’m interested in offers direct admission to the program sophomore year if you get a 28 on the ACT and have a 3.5 GPA, but obviously that won’t happen. To just be considered for acceptance in the program without getting directly accepted I need a 24 on my ACT or an SAT score of about 1650 and a 3.0 GPA. They look at high school GPA, ACT/SAT test scores, a personal statement, an essay, (optional) letters of recommendations, extra-curricular activities, honors, award recognition, leadership roles, work/volunteer experience, etc to consider placing you in the program. I do not have any extra-curricular activities, awards, leadership roles, or volunteer experience so that is why I want the honors diploma.</p>
<p>I haven’t purchased any books to study and that’s probably my problem. I did a couple online practice tests before each one but obviously they didn’t help. What books would you suggest?</p>
<p>Heather: In our neighborhood, the local library offers practice SAT exams. Is there a free resource for taking practice tests in your area? Taking the test in a test setting can help. Also, studying from a book does help too. The ACT is about pacing yourself, and knowing how to glean the information quickly that you need to answer the question. Could you have a few sessions with a test prep person? Or an older high school friend who did well on the exam who might have pointers?</p>
<p>The ACT’s time limits kill me. The first time I took the ACT I didn’t get done with any of the sections. The second time I paced myself throughout and had a few extra minutes at the end of each. The time limits really stress me out and if I try to pace myself it looks like I just do worse because I’m more worried about getting it all done. -.-</p>
<p>I live in a small town and there are no libraries here; but I could try the ones in a few towns over. Most of my friends did better than I did. One of my good friends got a 30 on her first try, but she’s just naturally smart. She didn’t study or anything. I asked for advice and there was none that she could give me.</p>
<p>Also, I was searching around for the best books to help me study and I came across 3 promising ones. The total would be about $75 for all three and I would like to avoid it if I can. The three books are The Real ACT Prep Guide, Cracking the ACT, and Barron’s ACT 36. If I could get away with buying only two that would be great. Which ones do you recommend and why?</p>
<p>You are going to have to study. Period. There are plenty of resources on line and on this website. You have to take practice tests - time yourself. I would highly suggest you take both the SAT and ACT. Some naturally do better on one than the other.<br>
Here is one site … blog dot pwnthesat dot com </p>
<p>There is a great study guide on this site … if I find the link I’ll post it - but look for it. Lots of posts give you study tips etc.</p>
<p>Some local colleges, schools, etc offer practice ACT or SAT tests or prep courses at very reasonable rates. Call other schools and find out. My kids went to other schools to take practice tests.</p>
<p>As far as the books - buy one - and pick the one that has the most practice tests. I think that may be the REal ACT prep guide.</p>
<p>Ask your counselor if they have some old tests to practice on.</p>
<p>At the top of the SAT Prep thread - there are two stickies you need to check out.
SilverTurtle’s guide to the SAT and Xiggi’s … both are really good. Much of it will apply to the ACT as well. But great SAT prep tools.</p>
<p>Schedule time on your calendar each day/ week to study and keep the appointments.</p>
<p>Depression is no excuse for dropping grades. It is my opinion that one has control over their emotions, and that if one cares about something enough (i.e. doing well in school) s/he will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means sleighing the vicious monster that depression can be. I write from experience.</p>
<p>About the prep books: personally I found the Real ACT book too simplified, but it gives you a good introduction to the test. I have an older edition of Cracking the ACT, and it seems like a pretty good book. I also recommend Kaplan’s Premier if you can afford it. Don’t get the Barron’s book. It is geared towards those who already have a 30+, and will be much too detailed and difficult. On the practice exam, I scored low 20s in English and Reading. And I have 36s in both.</p>