Hi all. I am a junior studying for the ACT. I took a practice test- scored a 20. I want to get my score up tremendously, any advice on prep? Looking for online resources that are budget-friendly (no more than $400), that have a clear study plan and are actually helpful.
Currently in a free trial for PrepScholar and love the organization of it but its a lot of reading and I’m a big visual learner, therefore looking for something with more videos and animations. Magoosh seems decent too, not sold though.
Let me know if you could offer any incite, thanks!
My daughter used Magoosh to improve her English score and she went from a 26 to a 29. So, can’t say how it is overall, but it definitely helped her with that area. They’re not too pricy which was a big reason we went with them.
Check your local library. Many test prep companies give free or reduced group classes. Also sometimes community colleges do so as well. Did you try the SAT? Maybe you will do better with the SAT.
Hi! I’m also a junior preparing for the ACT. So far what I would HIGHLY recommend is the ACT’s prep book (from the official ACT) from Barnes and Noble. It was $60 and comes with a voucher for a (free with the book) online resource/ study plan which they customize for you after you take a series of short online practice tests. I’m also a visual learner and having a portal with steps and practice problems and set goals really really helps, plus they have videos. The book is also very helpful. real practice tests and explanations. However, reading explanations for math is somewhat challenging as a visual learner so I would HIGHLY recommend a youtube series called ACT math prep (there are multiple parts) by a YouTuber called “The Organic Chemistry Tutor”. So helpful. If you want, please reply with the specific sections that are causing you the most difficult and I will give you links and more youtube channels for those specific sections so that you spend more time targeting the most difficult areas.
I’m taking the act in february and it is my first time taking it. However, I’m applying for a summer seminar at Notre Dame so I need to do well on it also. I am currently using c r a c k a c t. com since they have shorter practice tests. I am hoping for a 32+. Anyone have any other recommendations or can vouch for me about c r a c k a c t.com being a good prep website? Thanks!
I would recommend to prep with actual practice tests (if you are not already doing that). They are longer, yes, but that is the best preparation you can get.
@nicoleeec Hey, quick question. Has your score improved at all with the ACT Prep Pack? I liked what you had to say about it so I ordered it and it should be coming today!
I go online and get an entire ACT test for free and give it to my kids about 4 times a year. Then every Saturday morning, I give them one fourth of the test. (either Math, Eng. Reading or Science) After the test we go over all incorrect answers. They use Khan Academy for free online. All four of my kids improved their scores this way.
Honestly, I wouldn’t buy into any of those programs. I would buy the Erica Meltzer books for English and Reading if you need reading. Then FTLOAS for the Science portion, and Math college panda, or just go on Khan Academy and study over the topics you are struggling in. Target the weak areas, not the whole subject. This will help you grow. I have done 1.5 months of prep and have gotten my English score 10-12 points, and Reading 7 Points, mind you it was on practice tests. Last but not least, DO PRACTICE TESTS, this is the best way to study even if you cant buy the books I mentioned above. But take my advice with a grain of salt, and contour it with what you need the most help in.
Personally, I would recommend using books as the main method for studying. I studied straight from the Red ACT book a few weeks before the test and was able to achieve my dream score.