<p>For the past month, I've been strenuously studying PRs Cracking the ACT, and this week I've taken 3 practice tests getting a 27, 30, and 28, in that order...</p>
<p>I'm really worried...I don't see any kind of consistency in my scores, and it's so vitally important that I get at least a 28+, ideally a 30...</p>
<p>Any general tips? I have the most difficulty with pacing in science and math just is not my strong suit...Reading seems to be either hit or miss; I either do well or mediocre. English is my only consistently strong test.</p>
<p>Help? esp with math and just general pacing on the exam..</p>
<p>Math is by far my weakest subject too, though I've been working to improve it, it isn't comparable to my other subjects (low 30's in English, high 30's in Reading).</p>
<p>I'm usually "alright" on time for the math portion, but I always have one goal in mind. Unless you're shooting for a 30+ on it, you don't need to answer all of the questions. I often can't do the last 10 questions, since I struggle with Trigonometry.</p>
<p>My goal is a 27 on the math portion, which requires 43-45 questions right. Thus, rather than try and focus on finishing all of them, my goal is usually to finish 40 (and do them correctly), which leaves me with 20 blank questions that I need to get 3 correct out of. If I run out of time, I guess on all 20 or whatever's left, and 3/20 is certainly probable.</p>
<p>Honestly - I don't really have a strategy. Some of my friends and I have discussed this in the past, I suppose Reading is just a subject that comes naturally for me. I'm a fast, though comprehensive reader, and unlike what other people's strategies entail, I read the entire passage and I don't skim it. After reading the passage, I then proceed to the questions, and often reference back to the paragraph/lines in section, quickly skimming it to refresh my mind. Then I answer the question. That's about the extent of it. Oddly, I always end up with extra time, usually a spare 5 minutes or so.</p>
<p>Science is wishy-washy for me, I usually score mid-20s, though I'm shooting for a 27 minimum this time too. Unfortunately, my math strategy won't work for this section, because if you miss 5, you're already down to a 28. I really think that my math strategy will work and the math head at my school actually suggested it. It's about quality, not quantity, unless you're shooting for a near-perfect score.</p>
<p>I've been taking alotta practice tests lately and have been getting 31-33's. Here are my strategies if anyone is even interested:</p>
<p>English: No real strategy here, just try your best i guess haha. I think the most important part is to build a strong base in usage of mechanics and take your time on the rhetorical skill questions.</p>
<p>Math: Comes naturally to me. Sorry, cant really help you there. I'd say to just try and eliminate silly mistakes. I usually finish with 20 minutes left, so i always double check my answers :]. I'd be surprised if i don;t get a 36.</p>
<p>Reading: I've tried a doze of strategies and gimics, but when it comes down to it, i think the best strategy is to just read the passage and answer the questions (Sounds simple i know). Reading questions beforehand, or not reading passages always tend to confuse me, and then luck is a major part of getting a good score. I think the most important key is to understand the entire passage as a whole and know what the characters would say/do. An important skill to learn is to scan the passage quickly when needed. When i have to refer back to the passage i've learned to spot out words that i need and this helps my timing.
Dont forget to use your pencil when reading.</p>
<p>Science:
I always just go straight to the questions and then try to refer back to the data. I have found i either do really well, or quite poorly, but this is the only way i can finish the entire the test. For the conflicting scientists, that is the only one i read. I always circle key words of each guy and jot down some notes about each person. For the science section, i have to get lucky and pray for topics i'm familiar with. </p>
<p>Essay: Write a lot :D.</p>
<p>Thats my basic strategy, but i guess its best to find what suits you best.</p>
<p>As far as strategies go, I don't know how useful any of them are. I got a 36 composite and I don't know any strategies (at least I don't use any consciously). </p>
<p>The only advice I can think of to give you is that when you're answering passage questions (in reading or science), make sure you can back up the answer you choose by support directly from a text. You should be able to point to a sentence or paragraph in the passage that proves why B) is correct. There are usually answers that sound like they might be right because they are "general truths" in the real world, so watch out for those.</p>
<p>Oh, something else about passages. When you are reading, every time you finish reading a paragraph, ask yourself "What did the author say in this paragraph? What are the main points he just argued in the last few sentences? What's his opinion? What is the tone and language style of what I've just read?" This applies to science passages too ("Why did the scientist do this step? What does this graph show me?") although I guess that's kind of self-evident. The point is that you need to read actively, not passively.</p>