How much can I improve my ACT score?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
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I’m a junior, I’ve only taken one ACT in early June. The reason for this is that I started out with the new SAT, but the math was just too difficult for me, so I switched over. I’ve had a hectic year and didn’t have much time to study- but now I have the whole summer and plan to take it in September and October of senior year.

I did not study when I took this ACT- this was the first full test I took (the real one). Here were my scores:
English: 24
Math: 24
Reading: 32
Science: 26
Composite: 27

I’m really upset about this because I expected better even for my first time. I’ve taken a practice English before (pACT) and got a 30, so I’m confused as to how my score has gone down so much since then.

I was looking for any tips based on these scores- what should I focus on? Will I be able to improve a lot since this was my first time taking the test? I really want to get a 32 by senior year, which I know sounds impossible, but I’m willing to put in the work over the Summer. If anyone has any tips for studying over three flexible months and what I should focus on based on my score- that’d be very helpful. Thanks!

**Also, timing is not a problem for me. I’m usually a very fast test taker and end up still doing fine. I was able to finish all sections. So I guess I need to focus on content more?

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Help!

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Hi, I just got my ACT scores too and I am not really happy with them either. Maybe the reason you scored what you did on the ACT is because you are used to SAT test style questions as I know they differ. You are going to take the test again, that much is evident. I don’t think there is anything else you can do besides to study. I recommend taking as many ACT tests as possible beacuse that’s the only way you’ll gain experience. Also, you said you were going pretty fast. I’m guessing that means you had time left after the test, try to go just a BIT slower and understand the content. Best of luck!