For all you high scorers, would you mind?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
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<p>First off, I would like to give you some background info about me. I'm an upcoming sophomore this year,and have been first in my class since who knows. (I managed to get first again this year by 1 point!) I'm class president, well-rounded, join many clubs, etc. My grades last year were straight 100's, but this freshmen year, I got three 99's. I love every subject: math, science, social studies, English, in order respectively. And finally, I am very competitive, so I always strive to be at the top of my class, setting goals and achieving them. There is this person in my class who keeps trying to overthrow me, although I know he isn't a threat at all. He blurts out answers all the time to make him sound smart, especially in biology class. It's really annoying, acting like a know it all. I'm very modest, so I refrain myself from speaking of my achievements and grades, but for the sake of background info, I did so anyways. Now back on topic. One day, I saw him bringing an ACT prep book to school, so I thought it was yet another opportunity to show whose big dog because we've always been competing against each other. I decided to buy 7 ACT prep books, studies numerous hours hoping for a score of 30 or higher on my June test. My ultimate goal is a 36, which is highly unlikely unless I work hard at it.</p>

<p>Honestly, everything above mentioned was irrelevant, but what I'm trying to say is that I find the ACT to be the hardest test I've ever taken. I score 30's in English and math, high 20's in the reading and science- all in the red book. However, the test seemed much more difficult on math, reading, and science. This, like one had already posted, kinda crushed my hopes for a high score of a 30+. Maybe because I haven't taken Trig, Alg2, or AP Bio. Maybe because I stopped reading for so long. I don't know how people have time left over and sit there on every section of the test while I'm here trying to rush and worry about the time. </p>

<p>For all of you out there, especially the 30's, what are some tips you can give me for tackling this test? I have problems with reading and science, but any tips for any section is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for reading all the way to this point. This thread initially served as for help, but now it's sorta like venting too. Thank you, once again. YOLO.</p>

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<p>Too long didn’t read. Go learn to type less</p>

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<p>I got a 33 on my first (hopefully, and probably higher on the June ACT), so I qualify based on your criteria. </p>

<p>My only real advise is to prepare by practicing. ACT questions are easy, the only factor that makes it hard are the time constraints. I’d advise taking a prep course (if your school offers one), to get some strategies down. The Red Book is excellent practice, and very accurate to how one will actually do. Before the ACT I got a 33 on, I got a 32, 33, and 34 on the Red Book tests. This was my preferred book for study, and I’d advise that you continue to use it. </p>

<p>For science, you only need to know how to read graphs and charts. ACT science requires literally no knowledge of science, so you are fine on that front. But not having taken higher math courses definitely will make your math score lower, so that makes perfect sense. </p>

<p>I will say that working up to the last minutes for the test is perfectly normal. I always have extra time on English (average of 20 minutes left) and Reading (average of 10 minutes left), and occasionally Math and Science. If you have extra time, it is important to check your work. </p>

<p>You are going into your sophomore year, so you really don’t have to worry. Frankly, it is a bit unnecessary that you have even taken the test yet. Although a 36 is improbable, it is possible.</p>

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<p>I think you’re the most mature freshman I’ve ever encountered. What helped me, (Especially on English) is not trying to force the test. It’s like tennis for me haha… If I try to force it I always make mistakes, whereas if I just relax I spend less time panicking and rereading everything. Give that a shot.</p>

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<p>Your motivation is not good. Competition is fine but your invented feud with this guy is not healthy. Just my opinion.</p>

<p>The ACT is a test of educational achievement. Fewer than one-tenth (~7%) of test-takers score 30+. With just one year of high school completed, your level of educational achievement is probably not in the top decile (I don’t know for sure; just playing the odds). Next year you may have the opportunity to take the PLAN, which is designed for your grade level.</p>

<p>And, the best way to prepare for the ACT is through your high school coursework. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do practice tests, but you still have a lot of time.</p>

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<p>ok…</p>

<p>But really, you shouldn’t do well on the ACT for the sake of competing with your rival. Rather just do the best you can.
Aside from that, from a person that has started taking the ACT since 7th grade and has taken it like 5 times total, I strongly believe that there’s a specific way to take the ACT. What do I mean by this? I mean that for each section, there IS a strategy and trick that maximizes your score for each section. </p>

<p>In English, many of the times, the shortest answer is the correct answer. There are obviously a lot of rules that apply to this, but this is just an example. </p>

<p>In math, I’m not sure how I can help you lol cause math is just something you’re either good at or not good at. If time is a constraining factor, then practice computational and mental math skills. </p>

<p>In reading, often the correct answer is the most in-depth and complex and seemingly qualified answer. If you had to choose between Sara took the present because it was purple or Sara took the present because it represented a ethereal connection between her father and herself, then it’s probably the latter because the reading section answers often focus on significance. There are almost always TWO completely irrelevant answers and ONE distractor and if you can learn to distinguish between the distractor and the correct answer, then reading is a piece of cake for you. </p>

<p>In science, some people say that reading the entire passage before reading the questions is the best method. However, I’m like *** how do you even finish reading that stuff. I find it easier just to read the questions immediately and answering them. For questions that ask me to find a numerical value or a relationship on a graph, it is not hard. However, once in a while, some questions that ask you to interpret the meaning or implications of an experiment are a little bit more tricky as it requires you to understand what is exactly going on in the experiment. </p>

<p>Ultimately, however, these tricks aren’t applicable to every question and some may not work for you. However, what I do know is that I developed these tricks and methods myself after using a crapload of practice tests. I probably have at least 12 practice ACT books (BTW DON’T BUY BARRON CAUSE THEIR ANSWER KEYS SUCK). So just keep practicing until you get the hang of it. For me, cracking the ACT took soooo long. I started in 7th grade and took it 5 times (24, 28, 30, 32, 34) and it was a gradual process until I reached to what I have now. And don’t kill yourself if you don’t get a 36… There’s literally no difference between a 35 and 36 and a 34 is pretty good too.</p>

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<p>The biggest problem is that you are taking this test too early. You don’t need to take it during your second year of high school. You are still gaining in academic knowledge and maturity and will score 30+ in your Junior year. Why do you want/need to take it early?</p>

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<p>just realize this,life goes on and chance are its not gunna be a big deal down the road. My older brother came here (america)when he was 10 and had to learn english from the beginning. He did terrible in school and managed to get into a private school. After 6 years he became a pharmacist and now makes 100,000+ even after taxes. So dont worry man.</p>

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<p>@family</p>

<p>No, I don’t think he’s taking it too early. Do take it early, so that you can see what you need to improve on. Too many juniors and seniors only start taking the ACT at the end of their junior year and at that point it’s almost too late or extremely hard to improve your score significantly if it’s not where you want it to be.</p>

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<p>I agree^ Taking it your sophmore year is a good idea. Why wait until your junior year to take it blindly leaving you less time to prepare to take it again?</p>

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<p>I have got few prep booklets from last few years. How do the tests stack up compare to red books? People have mentioned the tests in red book are pretty close in difficulty level to real tests. Not sure about the tests from prep booklets.</p>

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<p>Obviously red books are going to match the real test because they’re made by the ACT themselves lol. But I think most princeton books represent the real test pretty well although they are just a little bit harder. Barron’s is meh – they have too many mistakes. Mcgraw hill is meh too. Basically, the only two books I would recommend is princeton and red book.</p>

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<p>Thanks Ima</p>

<p>What’s your opinion on tests from ACT booklets?</p>

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<p>Don’t worry. You are supposed to find ACT to be difficult in freshman year. It is actually great that you have a couple section already at 30 considering 21 is around the national average for each section.</p>

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<p>Honestly, and I know it may come as shocking, but I improved from a 31 to a 33 without any practice. I prepped like hell for the test I got a 31 on. For the next one, I did no prep whatsover and ended up doing better.
Once you hit the 30s, practice starts paying off less and less. It’s largely dependent on your luck and how you do THAT particular day.</p>

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<p>I got above a 30 on my first try, so I guess I’m qualified lol. I honestly can’t help too much because all of my sections were >32 on the first test I took out of the red book. You’re only a freshman, so you probably haven’t learned all the material that is tested yet. Actually, considering your lowest scores are in reading and science, maybe you have. For reading, spend no longer than 3 minutes reading each passage, and then answer the questions. For science, jump right to the questions except for the conflicting viewpoints question; read the passage for that one first.</p>

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<p>I took the ACT twice and got 32 both times. Superscored, I have a 33 (36 English, 31 Math, 35 Reading, 31 Science). I worked with a tutor who was available through my school for about about five months. </p>

<p>Honestly, I feel that a lot of the ACT is really just practicing. I got a 29 on my first practice test.</p>

<p>In order to get a perfect score on one section of the test, you really need innate ability. No amount of studying is going to take you from a 21 to a 36 (in my opinion). </p>

<p>English: Learn the KISS rule! Keep It Simple, Stupid! The shortest answer is VERY often correct. Take some practice English tests and learn the kinds of questions ACT asks. If you’re having trouble with a particular subject matter, memorize the grammar rules. I guess it’s kind of hard for me to give English advice, because I consistently got really high scores.</p>

<p>Math: Algebra 2 will help you a ton. Become an expert on proportions and triangle geometry (SOH CAH TOA). Really focus on Algebra and Geometry so you can make some mistakes on the advanced-level Trig towards the end of the test. Questions 1-50 are all relatively easy. Get those right so if you run out of time or can’t figure out the tougher 51-60, you can still get a score in the 30s.</p>

<p>Reading: This subject is all about practice. A lot of people struggle with making time. Find what works for you and run with it. I read each passage completely before answering the questions.</p>

<p>Science: I honestly have no advice here. This was my worst test, and I really think Science is just the luck of the draw. December 2012 was really easy and February 2013 made me want to die.</p>

<p>If you’re taking the Writing portion, I would say the time is absolutely the worst part. Make sure you get your five paragraphs in. Use a thesis statement. If you have structure down, you should get a solid score.</p>

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<p>Which books did you guys buy?</p>

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<p>Wow, I’m shocked to see all of these helpful information. This means a lot and I will take everyone’s comment in consideration.</p>

<p>And yes, I know the feud with him is very unhealthy. Next year, I’ll avoid all of that crap. And honestly, improving my score for myself is way better than improving my score to prove who’s better. </p>

<p>Thanks guy! I’m looking forward to future ACT tests.</p>

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<p>Yeah, you should strive for good scores because you want them, not because you want to beat somebody. Now, I’ve always wanted a mortal enemy, but do what you need to do in terms of studying and scores, not what this other kid does.</p>