Hello,
Since there are a lot of people on College Confidential that received high scores on the ACTs, I was wondering if any of you could help me. I’m currently having trouble studying for the ACTs. I just recently took the test in December and didn’t get the score that I wanted (preferably 31 and above).
I got a composite score of 27.
E: 27
M: 25
R: 32
S: 23
To be honest, I can’t really afford a tutor or ACT classes, so thats out of the question. I studied two months before my test, by constantly reviewing and practicing problems, but judging by my score it didn’t work out as well as I wanted it to. I’m currently have trouble with English because Im not sure what to focus on or how to properly study for it. I memorized all the grammar rules, but I still end up getting questions wrong 
. The main problem is, is that I don’t really know how to study for certain areas of the English section like “Usage/ Mechanics” and “Rhetorical Skills”.
So i have the following questions (Sorry if its a lot!)
For those of you who took the test and studied for it, what are some ways you practiced for certain areas of the test?
Any recommended websites, prep books, or practice problems for certain areas of each section? And lastly, how did you study for the ACTs? Like what was your study plan? Thank you very much!
The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. There are 5 tests in the Red ACT Book, 3rd Edition. ACT released several tests in booklet form.
Time each practice session to simulate the real test.
English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min
Score your test and review only what you got wrong after each practice session.
I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each school night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.