My average ACT scale scores for science and reading are 24 and 21 respectively. I have done several practice papers but I don’t see any improvement for my score. I need at least a 34 for my dream schools and I am willing to do whatever it takes. My first ever official ACT test is in June and I might consider to register one more in September in case I failed to do well this time.
My #1 tip is just to practice practice practice. After you practice look at what questions you got wrong and look at why you got them wring. Not just why one answer is right, but why you got it wrong. Are you noticing a pattern? Eventually you’ll get of sense of what type of questions to ask and what information is most important. I’d recommend taking 20+ individual science/reading practice tests and take 5-10 full tests in prep. Remember to look at your mistakes.
Also read a couple of books, it will help.
As a previous user said, understanding your mistakes on practice questions is essential to increasing your section score. Don’t focus on taking every practice test out there, focus on why you are missing certain questions and how you will make sure not to miss a similar question in the future. If reading the answer explanations in the back of the prep book isn’t cutting it, try studying with a friend who’s also applying to schools in the US, or taking a very popular practice test that has Youtube video explanations of each question. (An example of a very popular ACT practice test would be the first test in the red ACT official book.) Since you’re talking about the Reading and Science sections, time is probably a big problem for you. Practicing is the only real way to nail the timing. Consider trying a different method of bubbling your answers. I personally like this one, suggested by Best ACT prep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icw8vaOvoMg Also, on the Science portion, try always answering the Conflicting Viewpoints section last, as it takes up the most time. (Conflicting Viewpoints is the portion that contains 2 or 3 passages about scientists’ stances on a scientific issue.) I think retaking the ACT in September is a great idea, even if you perform better than expected on the June ACT. Taking the ACT more than once may or may not be typical for students from the UK; however, most of the people who get a 34 take the test more than once. Best of luck on the exam! Also, if you’re keen on studying in the US, be sure to apply to a range of schools! You could have an amazing experience here attending a state university in an exciting location.