I am going to be a senior in high school. I have taken the ACT three times and have gotten a 30 all three times. My scores were E-34, M-29, R-32, S-25; E-34, M-27, R-30, S-30; E-34, M-29, R-32, S-24. I never studied before I took the tests besides taking one practice test the week before each test. Obviously, I need more work in Science and Math. I find that those are the two sections I am always in a time crunch for. What are the best self study options to raise not only my Science and Math scores, but overall score 4 points, preferably in 2 months? I have also recently purchased 4 new ACT study books. I am committed to studying this time.
Practice practice practice. My D did one full test every single week for an entire quarter. Spend time analyzing which types of questions you are getting wrong.
For science, my daughter didn’t bother reading the question. Look at the answers and work backwards.
Since your main problem seems to be the issue of timing, I will repeat @momofsenior1’s advice - practice. The fact that you are in a time crunch for math and science tells me that you may actually be spending too much time on English and Reading, and not leaving enough time for Math and Science.
I’m not sure that you will be able to raise your score by 4 points, since your scores on all three were the same. However, if you both practice intensely AND focus primarily on Math and Science in your next test, you may be able to increase your superscore from 31 to 33 or higher.
Thank you for your advice! In regards to your comment about spending too much time on Reading and English, you actually do not get to move onto other sections once you are finished with one. I’m sure if that was an option, my scores would be much higher as I usually finish English with 20 minutes left :).
That is awesome advice! I have never heard about that method of science and I will definitely try it!!!
Cheaper on Amazon but :https://www.manhattanprep.com/college/act-5lb-book/
If you can afford tutor it can be invaluable in your situation. Sometimes it’s the small things your not getting.
Yes, do a full test every weekend 4 weeks prior. Wake up at the same time and maybe go to a library. Try to simulate your testing. Do as many problems as you can but understand why your getting wrong. What were your math grades and what is the highest math and science taken?
I was in a similar situation to you as I got a 32 the first time and a 35 the second time I took it. You definitely just need to take more timed tests as that will help with the math and make sure that you are solid on the easy and medium questions for the math section. In terms of science, I also had a problem with time and the way I solved it was to always leave the conflicting viewpoints passage until the end as it takes up the most time and can hurt your score on the other passages in the science section. Doing that raised by Science score by 4 points.
Thanks for the advice. Last year I look Pre Calculus and AP Chemistry and got A’s, so I don’t know why my scores aren’t as proficient as I want,
An A in an AP class doesn’t always translates to a good Act/Sat score. It depends on how good that class actually is.