This was an extraordinary blow, especially since I took four AP exams and scored 4s and 5s on all of them (Chemistry, English Lang, U.S. History, and Government). Also, when I took my PSAT sophomore year I got a 169, and by using some score calculators it is obvious that what I got my sophomore year is higher than what I got my junior year even though I had a more challenging course load this year.
I remember being confused on some of the questions, and I left 4 blank on the math test. However, I excel at English and Reading, which concerns me because with the scores I got; the ACT recommends I am not ready for college-level work in those areas even though I got a 4 on my AP English Lang test.
Possibly, I could have had a really bad day or bubbled in the wrong answer section, leading me to this abysmal score. I just do not remember having any of those problems.
Do you think I should pay the $50.00 to have at least my multiple choice section re-graded?
@MerryLee, I have taken multiple ACT practice tests under timed conditions and I scored 29, 31, and 30. I felt like I was fairly solid in this range, which makes me think that the score I received, 23, is an error.
It is frustrating that your scores were unexpectedly low. I see that you skipped some items in math Thal leads me to three ideas First, high scones are associated more correct items obviously. So gather points for correct items by quickly moving through the test without answering questions where you must think Mark the answers, check to make sure your answer is recorded correctly and don’t revisit unless,you have a major brainstorm on oneish item. Next go back through items you can quickly narrow your choices to two and consider which possible answer is right you may find that your brain came up with the correct reasons Think Murray brain fast and record the answer q
There’s no way that your bubbling got screwed up, otherwise you’d end up with having an extremely low score with only a few questions correct in a section, not 20+
Ugh. Record that answer correctly and move on. Don’skip any item especially if there is no penalty for guessing. You wasted four potentially correct answers by skipping and got zero points. By chance you may get points which is better than zip. If,time is running out, read fast and,record your best snswer. Essentially then, quickly record correct responses and then your best guess at the end Overall, you need to calculate amount of time per item and keep within that time unless you end up with the extra,time If you are happy with you responses, then relax. Should be before the first suggestion Assure yourself that you are an excellent student who knows the material. Think no immediately whenever those thoughts occur . Catastrophic thinking is never healthy,Even if the catastrophe does happen, dear with it then. Would retake the test rather than pay to restore the earlier test It is hard to imagine how machine scoring could have miss scored your test uniquely. You,got what you got, but it’s time to move on. If you can identify areas of weaknesses such as what did the four math problems have in common and review that If the reading section was surprisingly challenging, work on reading speed and quickly finding answers,in the passage If the word in the passage is the target and substitute a synonym. These questions are like using a thesaurus. I do,think you have reason to expect better scores because the reading and English scores fell below math What made those items more challenging? If you think of some think, what else could you have time? BEWARE of over thinking because you know,this stuff already and, while it is useful to recognize a few things you could do better, over thinking makes you nuts and saps,confidence Competence builds confidence and vice versa. Whatever your final scores and submit your admissions packet There are,over 2000 colleges, in the U.S… You could t beat,off college even if you had a stick. Sorry about the errors, but wouldn’tenlarge the font. As my mother would tell you, be of stout heart.
OP, if you took that test on Saturday June 11, a National Test date, then order the TIR (Test Information Release). For $20, you’ll get a copy of the test and your answers. That’s the most obvious way to see if you messed up the bubbling or you just don’t understand the content.
If it’s the first situation, call ACT immediately and see if there is anything they can do to adjust the misbubbling.
If it’s the second situation, then you have two options: hit the books harder and take the ACT in the fall. Or consider taking a practice SAT test to see if that’s an option you may want to pursue.
Did you take practice tests from the Red ACT book under timed conditions? A decrease of 6 or more points than what you expected from your practice tests seems out of ordinary to me but it’s possible that it just wasn’t your day. Like the user above, you should first order the TIR before requesting a hand score since your score could possibly not improve.
@chelsalina Yes, I had the Red ACT book and timed myself during my practice tests. Quite possibly, I could have entered the wrong test form code on my answer sheet while testing. Maybe that was the culprit…?
I sent in a request to have the multiple choice section regraded. Honestly, at this point I’m hoping that it is an error; although, I do understand that even though my practice test scores were considerably higher, these kinds of inexplicably low test scores can happen.
When I get the results in 3-5 weeks I will post them.
If I’m not mistaken, a 169 PSAT equates to a 25 ACT, which isn’t that far off from your actual score. Considering that many people are better suited to one test than the other, your score seems as if it’s in the right range.
The SAT and PSAT have very little to do with advanced coursework. The math is mostly algebra with a bit of geo/trig, and the reading/writing portion can be completed with basic knowledge from regular English classes. The ACT, on the other hand, does include more broad knowledge about different subjects, and in addition, gives you very little time per question. If you feel you did better than a 23, you can order a copy of the test to review your answers. However, just by looking at your subscores, I can see that the lowest two aren’t even tested on the SAT. Given this, along with your better PSAT score, I would suggest taking a couple SAT practice tests and see how the scores compare.