Help out a sophomore please!

Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm currently a sophomore, and I've taken 2 practice ACT tests. I'm also planning to study the SAT since I'll be taking the PSAT junior year, and I'll probably take the SAT too. </p>

<p>I have the Real ACT practice book and took my first practice test a few weeks ago. Here are the results:</p>

<p>1.)
English: 28
-UM: 14
-RH: 15
Mathematics: 31
-EA: 14
-AG: 17
-GT: 16
Reading: 26
-SS: 17
-AL: 10
Science: 25
Composite: 28</p>

<p>2.)
English: 31
-UM: 15
-RH: 15
Mathematics: 31
-EA: 14
-AG: 16
-GT: 16
Reading: 28
-SS: 16
-AL: 12
Science: 28
Composite: 30</p>

<p>It seems like I improved a bit, but it's definitely not where I want to be. Actually, in my second practice test, my brain felt dead after the math section, so I was somewhat glad to still see improvement. Still... ONLY 30, GUIIISE! Maybe because I'm a sophomore? If it helps, I'm aiming really high in terms of colleges. I'm hoping to apply early decision Brown in the fall of my senior year and maybe schools of that calibre, so I'm definitely going to want to get my scores to the 34-36 range. </p>

<p>What I'm seeing:
-English improved, but I need to practice more. I'm pretty solid in grammar, but darn... 31 :/...
-Strangely, I didn't get math up... I actually thought I'd get a 35 the second time, but eh... I'm really strong in math, by the way... Maybe those pesky old algebra problems keep throwing me off? Should I review old stuff for a bit?
-Reading is just really annoying to me... And strangely, I'm soooo incredibly bad in the Arts / Literature sections. Does anybody have any advice on how to improve that score? Of course I also want to improve the Social Sciences portion, but I think I should focus on the Arts / Literature for now.
-Science... HOW CAN I NOT INTERPRET DATA AND GRAPHS... I just don't know what's with me... Maybe that's where the endurance part of the ACT comes in. Anybody have any ideas to improve science?</p>

<p>Overall... Pleaseeee share tips... I've been becoming very discouraged just by looking at these scores :(! Do you think I can bring it up to the 34-36 range by junior year? </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>P.S.
I got a 5 on AP Human Geography and AP Macroeconomics my freshman year, so... I think it's standardized tests that are my weakness. I'm a verrry strong student when it comes to specific subjects... Like in AP Biology, I have the best grade in that class @<em>@... But a 28 in science tho' ></em><... Do you guys think it's just the time strain? Should I practice more? Maybe because I haven't studied the ACT enough compared to maybe... AP exams where it's easier to study. OKAY, I GUESS I NEED TO STUDY MORE, BUT THE BIG QUESTION AGAIN IS... Can I bring it up that high? How may more practice tests? Which review books should I get?</p>

<p>Again, thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>I am a sophomore too and was just about to post the same thing! :-* You’re legit stressing for no reason though. If I were in your shoes, I would be so happy with my scores. I cannot get above a 197 on the PSAT no matter how much I try. I am dying for at least a 210 (UCLA average), but it’s just not happening. :confused: Have you considered the PSAT/SAT? For me, it is a much better test. Again, it’s really refreshing to see a sophomore so concerned already, but I just cannot see reason to be upset with a 31 on an ACT, especially from a sophomore. And two 5s freshman year???!! (Human geo is pretty easy tho, but still!!) If you really want advice, you gotta keep practicing, and DON’T wait until junior year to do it because you will be so occupied with your AP load that PSAT will just get put off. Some people even forget to take the test because they are so packed with work. I wish you luck my friend!</p>

3

<p>Ah, it’s good to see somebody like me! People on this forum just seem to be craaaaazily smart >_<… I used to think I’d have a really high chance of making it to the Ivy’s since my school usually sends around 5 kids a year… I don’t necessarily want to go to ANY Ivy, but you get the idea… And I’m top 1-3 ish. We don’t have class rankings, but I’m up there :P… But I guess the scores just really stress me out! I took the PSAT in the fall and scored a 187 by the way. It probably will be better by now, but it’s still under yours if that’s a any morale booster, haha. I think I should work on practicing the SAT more… Since I’ll at least want to qualify for NMS. Anyways, good luck! Stay strong and let’s hope we make it!</p>

4

<p>Third-ing on the whole sophomore thing. OP, I think you’re fine! I scored a very meh 197 on the PSAT, and I’m still shooting for NMF in my state, which is at like a 219. With the progress you’re showing already, if you keep up the steady work, you’re going to be fine! I would focus mainly on making sure you know the material now, and then as junior year approaches, focus on the specific strategies. Just go with a Xiggi-like method for now: find some prep books, and go through concept reviews right now reviewing all the material to make sure you know it. I think this is definitely going to help you on the science, at the very least. Ask questions, read more, all that good jazz. But I think you’re doing very well thus far! </p>

5

<p>Thanks everyone for the feedback to you two :)! Which test prep books should I get for the ACT and SAT by the way? I’ve heard Barron’s is notorious for being harder than the real test, and that might help. Thanks again :P!</p>