<p>I took a full-length practice test this previous summer and what it told me was that I am apparently really bad at math. My composite score was a 30, but I got a 25 on the math section, which I'm really disappointed with. I'm in the highest possible math course that my school offers for my grade level (which is Acc Pre-Calc), so I SHOULD be good at math, but I just don't have any natural aptitude with numbers. </p>
<p>My main problem is that I'm bad at figuring out how to approach problems which require thinking critically about the math at hand. I don't know how to fix this. No matter how much I study it feels like my mind just goes blank when it comes to math. What do, CC?</p>
<p>Take practice tests. When you are grading it, don’t simply check if you got it right or wrong. Stop and read the explanations for all the problems. Even if you got the problem right, you’ll learn if there is an easier way to solve it that you didn’t think of. If you were wrong, read the explanation and try again until you understand your mistake. Then you won’t make that mistake again. </p>
<p>All ACT questions are created in the same way and involve the same techniques, so if you can correct your mistakes on the first three-four practice tests, you’ll improve a lot. That’s exactly what I did - and I went from a 28 on my first real ACT (26 on first practice test though) to a 33 on the September 2013 ACT. </p>
<p>If there is a concept you don’t understand even after you read the explanation, use Khan Academy. There’s likely a video on the topic.</p>
<p>If you are like me you always kick yourself at the end of every test. Today I got 4 questions because I either misread or wasn’t careful. My advice is to be careful, especially on the math section. Problem solving comes from practice and watching examples. This website actquantum.com is a great resource</p>
<p>@baileyj57 - Very useful advice, thanks a lot! I got a 28 on the math the last time I took the ACT, even though math is my strong point. Thanks once again and good luck to everyone on the upcoming ACT! :)</p>