<p>So the first time I took it, I got a 30 comp, with a 34/32/31/23 breakdown of reading, english, math, and science respectively. This last time I took it, I got a 32 comp and a 34/33/27/35 in the same order. I was obviously very shocked and happy with a 12 point jump in science.
However, the dip in math didn't help me. My advice for those significantly lower in one section is to study for it, but not at the expense of other sections. I devoted studying time to science, assuming I would be fine for english and reading because those are my best subjects, and math was left hanging.
Also, for me, a lot of improving my score was getting in a different mindset. I always felt the science section was impossible to study for and finish. Like every other section, it IS possible to improve with practice. When you do practice tests (Real ACT guide all the way, though my highest projected science score was a 29 haha), try different strategies that work for you. My friend who consistently gets 34+ on science doesn't read the paragraphs and charts unless she needs to. I found I did best when I skimmed over the passage and referred back to it as necessary. I used to leave 3 parts of the science section unanswered and I'd fill in random bubbles, but I was left with a few minutes to spare this last time.
If this didn't help you at all, sorry haha. My friend said my score jump was unusual so it may help to share, even if it just gives another science-section-failure some hope. :)</p>
<p>Thank you, that does help. Do you have any suggestions on how to do better for math, or would you just say to do the practice tests and study over and over.</p>
<p>Yeah, well I know I dipped in math because I took it right after the summer; if I took it in Oct, I wouldn’t be so rusty. Academically, math is my weakest subject, but I practiced it a LOT last year for the SAT (690) so some of that carried over to the ACT.
The first time, I studied basic trig because I hadn’t done that in school for a while, and that happened to be a significant portion of the test I took. Coordinate geometry is a weakpoint for me. Actually, any geometry… look at the detailed breakdown of what you got wrong on the test, because chances are, it’ll show up in some way or another on your next test. I really, REALLY hate studying. Like I never do it, haha. But if you know you can do better, it’s worth it to do some practice tests and study what you get wrong.</p>
<p>Hmm, I think I’ll just keep studying the math sections that i’m doing very poorly in. Strangely enough, I have A+'s in all of my math courses, and I’ve always kept at least an A- whenever i’ve taken math, i’m just a really terrible test taker, I think. If for some unfourtunate reason, I can’t get my scores up to a 30, do you think if I have most of the colleges focus on my other aspects (EC’s, High GPA, Good Recs, etc.) that I could still get in to most places EA.</p>
<p>Opposite here, hahah, I don’t do very well in math classes. Even if you are a bad test taker, which I completely understand, I think you should still definitely be able to bring up your math scores.
Yeah. I really don’t think standardized tests are always the breaking factor they’re made up to be. After stalking you, haha, I can see on your other posts that you were a great student. ECs are my strong point as well, and I plan on playing them up. Admissions will see you as a person, not your test score, and 'm sure you’ll find a place you’ll love.
I’ve spent the past two years freaking out about college, but I also didn’t study as much as I should have. I’ve made peace with what I did and did not do, and I’m just trying to make my application as good as it can be now. Maybe I’m saying this to make myself feel better, but if you craft your application right and present yourself in the best way possible, you have a shot at the schools you’re looking at. :)</p>
<p>Hahaha, thank you. 
I’m just going to have to present myself as well as I can, and see where that takes me. I’ve stressed about college too, whether I should’ve taken more AP’s, should I have pushed to get into that 1 honors class, etc. I’ll focus on my EC’s right now, which I think will help me. I’d just rather not have to apply RD simple b/c getting in EA is much less stressful. Luckily I’m a good essay writer, so maybe that will give me some points in the long run.</p>
<p>Any tips on the reading section?
I guess my problem is I don’t read fast enough or something.
I read first before answering the questions. It’s the only way I can do it. So I guess I just need to work on reading speed.</p>
<p>As for science… I guess it’s kind of the same thing.
Speed and comprehension.
:o</p>
<p>This may be nerdy, but I LOVE the reading sections of the ACT. I think they choose some interesting passages haha. I do the same thing; I read and then answer. However, one thing that works for me is that I always skip the first reading because it’s hardest to understand (it’s usually some sort of weird prose). The other readings are fairly straightforward, so I do those and come back to the prose last.</p>
<p>Ooh okay.
Thanks.
I’ve heard that tip a few times before; I guess it really works!</p>
<p>I’ll keep it in mind :D</p>
<p>I took it once and made a 20 composite… I suck at all subjects. Maybe it’s because I didn’t study, or maybe it’s because I didn’t pace myself and guessed on like half of the test. I got 18 Math, 20 English, 19 Reading, and 22 Science. Any advices? Got 3 weeks to study. I really want that 25! </p>
<p>I absolutely loathe the Reading passages, btw! And I’ve completely forgotten almost everything I learned in Geometry. Arg! Screw my bad memory!</p>
<p>I’m sure you don’t suck at the subjects haha. Being comfortable with the test is important. Seeing as you took it once and didn’t study for it, I would be surprised if you didn’t see a rise; however, a five point jump in your comp. will probably take some work. I think it’s possible; set a schedule for yourself for these next three weeks, and make it a point to devote time to each section. For your math, you know that Geometry is a weak point. Use the Real ACT Prep book, and there are some other online resources… I believe Spark Notes and Number 2 have test prep materials. I’m not sure how good they are, but I have friends who used them and improved (one from a 27 to a 31).
The ACT is very much a test of pacing, but pacing is even more of an issue if you don’t know the material. Guessing should be used minimally, as a lot of the material on the ACT can be studied for. I really don’t have much advice on english, but the resources mentioned should be able to help. I’m familiar with grammar and structure because I enjoy writing, but it can still be studied for (I wish I had!). Science, like I said, is about managing your time and finding the strategy that works for you. If you take the time to sit down and take a practice test (do it!!), you’ll see the questions aren’t exactly difficult and they don’t test you on actual science. If you familiarize yourself with how to take the test, you’ll raise your score.
And omg how do you hate the readings, haha? Even if you do, I really do think attitude plays some role in testing. I always hated science, so I was just kind of blah for it. I read a lot, so I’ve come to enjoy it; if I treat it like I’m reading a book, not something that will determine college admissions haha, I get everything done with time to spare.
Obviously, I make mistakes too, and my comp isn’t as high as some other ridiculous people on here; however, this is all advice I either used/wish I used that you may want to look into. :)</p>
<p>I only have one ACT book- the PR 1296, since so many people recommended it. I finally opened the book yesterday and took one part of the practice test- the English part. Went to the conversion table to find out I made a 20 (boo!), but I noticed small mistakes when I checked the incorrect answers, and were able to get most of them right after the second attempt. </p>
<p>I’ve always struggled with reading in general. In 9th grade, I was in an intensive reading class, and luckily scored high enough to get out of it, and take honor and AP English classes the rest of my High School career. </p>
<p>I don’t know why I even struggle with Math. Granted that I’m not the best at it, but I thought I was pretty mediocre. I mean, I took up to Trigonometry Honors last year, so you’d think I’d retain some of the information, but it’s completely wiped out from my memory. Sad, I know. </p>
<p>As far as Science goes, I don’t even know what to say about it. Thank god it saved my butt from getting below a 20. Needed at least a 20 for this certain scholarship. </p>
<p>Thanks for the tips~ Studying is all I’m able to do right now. Hopefully everything will work out for the best!</p>