Horrible ACT Score.

I just got my ACT score from the feb testing and I got a really low score (17). I want to know how to get it higher. I’m taking the SAT in May. I didn’t really study for the ACT because I was busy between the date I signed up the ACT and the ACT testing date. But now I have a lot of free time for the SAT. How can I put my score of 17 to atleast a 26? Should I prep more for the ACT or the SAT?

SAT and ACT preparation makes a big difference. Where we live the local community center provides a very inexpensive SAT preparation class which was quite good. Some high schools provide SAT preparation classes. We also found a local tutor who was very helpful with only a small number of tutoring sessions – they were able to give one daughter a practice SAT test and then immediately focus in on the areas where she needed help. We used a local outfit (I think with 3 employees in total) but many parts of the country will have similar very small SAT preparation companies, or some local teachers and former teachers may do SAT/ACT tutoring. Other contributors to CC should be able to suggest books and online resources.

My other daughter only applied to test-optional schools, which is another option (although many test-optional schools are relatively small). She actually had very good SAT scores, but the schools that she preferred just happened to be test-optional.

At this point you might want to prepare for the SAT just because it is what you are taking next. After you take it you will have some way to decide which you liked the best. Since you are a junior, you have more time to retake either test.

Thank you @DadTwoGirls I’ve been taking my PSATs my Fresh-Junior year and this will be my first time taking the SAT I used the kaplan studying guide for the ACT but I barely used it. I’m using Khan Academy and I’m studying for a hour a day hoping to get atleast above a 1200.