<p>How long did it take for you all to raise your scores on ACT and SAT? I know each person goes at a different pace, but when you all were studying how often did you study (ex 1-2 hours a day, every other day?) and for how long before the test (a year, a month?)
I'm a rising junior and I'm freaking out about all of this! Also, I always considered myself "naturally" smart (one who doesn't need to try to succeed academically and get above avg. on standardized tests) but that all changed after sophomore year and taking a trail PSAT test... So, how long would it take me to master everything about the ACT and SAT?
I'm aiming for ACT: 32-34 SAT: 2100-2300
(If those goals are even do-able for someone like me...) :-S </p>
<p>I took 4 practice tests to raise my score around 150 points and another practice test + 100 vocab words + doing random math problems + reviewing tips for the essay to bring up my score another 80 points. </p>
<p>The 4 practice tests were done over a period of 2 weekends which included a lot of snow days. The one practice test + other studying was done during spring break for about 30 minutes each day excluding the 5 hours for the practice test.</p>
<p>In my experience and experiences of friends, you need to study at least 40 hours to get anywhere on either the SAT or ACT. It’s really hard to improve without this. You can study 5 hours for 8 weeks, 10 hours for 4 weeks, etc. More hours is of course better. I am naturally motivated and have no issue with pushing myself to study, like many students on CC, but if you find yourself having issues motivating yourself, a prep program like PrepScholar <a href=“http://www.prepscholar.com”>www.prepscholar.com</a> might help you. I went through it mainly for the questions but it’s actually a pretty good program for motivating you to study.</p>
<p>I took the June sats and started studying on and off since late April. I only really worked on math and whenever I got tired of that I went to writing. I started cramming for 1- 1 1/2 weeks and it was about 3 weeks before the test and I didn’t touch another problem for the rest of the 2 weeks since finals were right next to the sats. But probably after the may students got their terrible results was when I actually took it seriously because I was like that is NOT going to be me. But I went up 110 in math and 40 in writing. I went down in CR a few since I didn’t bother looking at it.</p>
<p>It depends on the amount of time you have to study, how much you need it, and how committed you are. Only you know all of those things and only you can decide for yourself. I’d recommend you study this summer and especially memorize your vocab because most people don’t feel like/don’t have enough time to study during the school year. Make a schedule for yourself, if you know you’d follow it. I don’t make a schedule for myself because I don’t like schedules. That’s why only you know which way’s the best for you. I’d recommend that you start off with maybe 1-2 sections a day and memorizing vocab. Also, make sure you review the questions you got wrong. </p>