I get a 36 whenever I take practice (released) tests in a timed environment, yet on the actual test I only got a 29 and a 28. I got a 30 on the reading on my first test and a 34 on the second, but I really feel that I can improve or at least maintain the 34.
Does anyone have any tips? I’m really worried about my science score as it’s bringing my whole composite score down. I know I can get a 34-36 on the actual science portion of the test, but I just need a bit of help.
science sucks. Sometimes, getting 3 wrong can bring you down to a 31-32. And getting 36 is perfect. No reason why you shouldnt get similar results. Practice more and dont stress is my advice.
Students struggle in this section for two reasons: 1. this is the last section and most students are tired and 2. because ALL of the material is unfamiliar. In high school, students learn in the opposite manner- they study a concept all week/month and then they are tested on it. You are NOT unprepared just because you do not know nuclear physics, astronomy and geology! Do not be fooled/frightened by scientific terminology. It is there so you PANIC.
Very BASIC science concepts (e.g., gravity, density, force, cell structure) will be dressed up as hard questions. This is very often seen in the Conflicting Viewpoints section.
Look for the “Yes, Yes, No, No” TWO PART question. This is a common answer pattern throughout the ACT. Use it to rule out incorrect answers. BOTH parts of the answer must be true, for the answer to be correct. Use a simple grid to keep the answer choices straight. Part 2 of the answer will need to be TRUE based on the data provided to make the answer correct.
I think it’s more so the fact that it’s the last section than anything else. I take fairly complex sciences through the IB program and do not struggle with science, yet I struggle with this section of the test. @HereToHelpYou
I agree with you. By the time most students get to the science section they are tired. Bring a protein
based snack/energy drink to refresh yourself at the break.
The science test is a scientific reasoning test. There are very few prior knowledge science questions on it. It is basically a reading test with charts and graphs, so if you use the same skills as the Reading section that should help you.
@HereToHelpYou The weird thing is that I got a 34 on reading, but a 28 on science. Maybe I just got unlucky. Hopefully this upcoming test will be better.
The last science ACT was very hard. I would take two more practice tests this week if you can squeeze them in and review commonly testes ACT Science Concepts.
@HereToHelpYou I can manage to take 2 full tests this week. In addition, I can review. What would you suggest I review? Should I review the Sparknotes guide?
@Yomo710 Something similar happened to me. I would get around 33 for the Science portion (I know it’s not as good as your 36, but hey, I suck at chem & physics) on my practice tests, but I got a 28 on my actual one. As for Eng, Math, and Reading, I got all 33+. I was upset because my low Science score constantly brought my composite score to a 31 or a 32.
I think it really has to do with the fact that we have to take Science at the end for the real thing, and I personally hate that, since my brain’s googoo-gaga by then.
