I know there are probably a lot fo these questions on this type of topic, but I am currently a senior in HS looking to improve my application for the schools that I’m applying to [E: 34 R:27 M:27 S:22 ] and i really need some advice on how to improve my scores in these areas. I am applying to schools that superscore, so I’m only focusing on the last three.
Main questions: What worked for you? How do you balance school and ACT studying? Tutors/classes that really helped?
Would really appreciate it if anyone helped out. Thanks a lot
For English: Best thing to do is keep doing those practice tests. You should do them until you’re able to look at a sentence/phrase, say it in your head, and know it sounds wrong. You already have a 34 English, so I think you’ve got it down.
Math: Keep doing practice problems once again. If you’ve exhausted all your ACT math resources, I would recommend maybe doing some problems from the Barron’s Math II book, which is more challenging than ACT math, but will definitely prepare you, if not overprepare you for, the math section.
Reading: Timing is everything. I took it a while ago, so I forgot the exact time limit for this section. If I recall correctly it’s 35 minutes, 40 questions. I would try setting the timer to 30-32 minutes and seeing how well I do in that period. This will enable you to work more efficiently.
Science: Same as reading - timing is key. Also, make sure to read the questions carefully. I can see that this is your weakest section, so maybe spend the most time preparing for this one. Do a BUNCH of practice tests. Thoroughly go over wrong answers and make sure you understand mistakes.
These are the things that really worked for me. (I got a 35C.) For the balance part, you really just have to make time. For me, I took the June ACT and it was VERY hectic. Right after I finished AP exams I had SAT subjects, then school finals, then right after the last day of school, the ACT. You really have to practice intensely and you gotta push yourself. I know you’re going to be really busy now especially with college apps, but set aside 1-3 hours a day, prioritizing your weakest sections. I self-studied, so I don’t know about tutors and classes. Excellent resources I found very useful were the Real ACT book (red book), PR 1296 Questions, and ■■■■■■■■.com. GOOD LUCK!
@wormholes @yellowjeans Thank you both so much for your help!! I’m really going to try to hustle becuase mine is Oct. 22nd so i’m juggling this and college apps right now. I really appreciate the replies. I’ll take both of your advice
Thanks again!