<p>So I'm currently a high school graduate and I'm in need of some serious help. I got the ACT in about a month or so (residual testing), and I'm freaking out. I took the SAT three times and I completely hated it. I took the ACT once and got a 19. I need to get a 24 whenever I take it again. I'm honestly a horrible test taker and I completely shut down on test day. I really need some tips...and btw, I have the actual ACT prep book 3rd addition & Kaplans ACT premier 2014.</p>
<p>Eat a good breakfast, don’t spend too much time on one single question, and BUBBLE IN EVERY ANSWER even if you don’t know it. </p>
<p>And be sure to remember, you can always take the test again.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention this, but it’s to save 8-10k a year. And it’s my last try. It’s for a scholarship that’s good until first day of classes, I can’t earn it after the first day.</p>
<p>It’s great that you already have some practice resources! Here is how I studied. I got some practice tests and began working through them. I worked slowly, really trying to understand the types of questions they asked. I would check my answers after several questions so the information was fresh in my mind, and if I got a question wrong, I would figure out why. It is really important you understand what you missed and what the answer should be (and why!).</p>
<p>After doing this it becomes apparent what kinds of questions you struggle with. Maybe the English comes easy, but Math is harder, so do a bunch of math practice until you start getting the scores you want. The ACT always has the same “type” of questions, so if you figure out the patterns, you will be successful. </p>
<p>The ACT can also feel “rushed” because there are a lot of problems in each section and not much time. Practicing with a watch and timing yourself to increase your speed will really help. Also, remember you can guess without penalty, so don’t leave anything blank.</p>
<p>I would try to sit down 4-5 times a week and work for about 60 to 90 minutes. Take a practice section test, grade yourself, see what you can improve. Also, if you could find a few longer periods of time in order to take a full test, that would help improve your concentration. Since you say you are a bad test taker, try to simulate testing conditions as much as you can whenever you practice. Don’t have any distractions like phones, music, TV, food, etc. Make sure you are in a quiet environment, maybe go to the library?</p>
<p>Just really put your resources you already have to good use. Take the tips and tricks they offer. There are lots of practice tests online you can print off and use too! Good luck! :)</p>