From 30 to 33+?

<p>I took the last ACT test and got a 30 without really studying.
English:30
Math:28
Reading:33
Science:27
I'm a junior so I really need to improve to at least a 33 so I can get a scholarship.
How do I improve before the June 8th test?
Thank you so much!</p>

<p>Why would you take the ACT without really studying particularly when you took it that late? You may easily get 1-2 points higher simply by retaking the test. To get bigger improvement, you need to do more practice test. It took 2 months for my D to improve from 30 to 33 by doing 1-2 practice test each week last Summer. Then another 2-3 months to bring up her practice score to 35. So 33 should be within reach for you if you put effort into it.</p>

<p>Yeah a 33 is definitely within reach. You’re situation is actually similar to mine, I got a 30 (combined score of 118) without much studying. I retook the test and got a 32, and was 1 point in any subject away from a 33 (combined score of 129). Because you also got a 118, you’d need to go up a full 12 points to get a 33. I went up 11 with literally zero extra studying, just from experience of taking the test once. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll reach your goal.</p>

<p>So do I just take a practice test everyday?</p>

<p>I took me two months to bump up my score from a 30 to a 33. I’d advise that you prep as much as you can this week, but really plan on studying more this summer and taking the first ACT next year (September?). Good luck!
PM me if you want me to email you some practice tests.</p>

<p>With some work, getting a 33 is easily attainable. Just take multiple practice tests. With the ACT, familiarity with the questions breeds success. Once you have taken some practice tests, then focus on the sub scores that are lowest, and take individual tests for those subjects. You do have two weeks. In order to raise my 33 to a 35, I’m going to start studying for a few hours a day, before the June 8th test. </p>

<p>On another, non studying related note, there are physical things that you can do, as well. Get good sleep the week before the test, and try to adjust your going to bed and waking up cycle to that of the actual test. If that means going to bed at nine and getting up at 6 for a week, do it. Also, try exercising the morning before the test. Exercise has been proven to improve test scores, and to give you a mental edge.</p>

<p>@Debater1996
I’ve never thought about exercising before the test. What kind of exercise do you usually do? Also, where did you find out about that?</p>

<p>Just do something. Don’t push too hard, as you don’t want to tire yourself out, but maybe jog or run for a couple of miles. </p>

<p>Before the PSAE at my school (a part of which is the ACT), the school offered use of the gyms and stuff beforehand, because it has been shown that exercise helps to increase mental alertness and the like. Gym teachers said that exercising increased the scores, and that seems to be about apt.</p>

<p>Yeah I’ve heard that exercise also helps with nerves. Also, since I’m more tired it helps me fall asleep. I just swim/do elliptical the day before big tests.</p>

<p>@Cbatarseh I can’t pm people because I need 15 posts is there another way I could get the tests?</p>

<p>@moonchild1: here are some past ACT test that people have uploaded and put on CC. I’ve downloaded them and have started practicing with them. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1487172-act-test-practice-study-guides-downloadable.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1487172-act-test-practice-study-guides-downloadable.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Apparently that resource is no longer available. My apologies.</p>

<p>Debater brings up a good point! The key is you need to get your body adjusted to waking up early and being active. </p>

<p>As for improving your score, I would focus on the science section for a while. Of the four sections it is the one that is most foreign to most students, so read up on different ways people have improved efficiency/accuracy on that section. For example, a key hint would be to not read entire blocks of text for data interpretation passages: simply look for key words and try to identify relationships between variables. </p>

<p>Also remember that many schools will accept superscores, so the 33 score may be achieved with 2 or 3 attempts. I would wager that a superscore of 33 is definitely within your reach. Good luck!</p>