Hello all. I’m a junior and I’ve taken the ACT twice so far.
First time: Feb 2016 (no prep whatsoever)
Math:19
Science:24
English:26
Reading:29
Composite: 25
Second time April 2016 (only prepped for math)
Math:22
Science:24
English:26
Reading:26
Composite:25
My goal is to get a composite of 30, or even higher, if possible. I’m taking the June ACT, which leaves me approx 5 weeks to crack down on prep. Is it possible for me to raise each subscore by 3-5 points in that time? I raised my math score by 3 points by studying for probably a month for the SAT on my own and with a tutor. I think reading and English will be easy to improve because words come easier to me than math and science. Is improving that much in each section possible, or should I try and aim for a 28ish composite and then retake again next September?? I’m stressing out because all the schools that I really want to apply to are minimum 27, maximum 32, and if I bomb this June act, then I’ll only have one more chance before applying Early Action next fall.
If anyone has any tips, advice, or success stories on how you improved in a short time span, please let me know!! I’m currently working through the “Princeton Review: Cracking the ACT 2016 Edition”.
I believe if you study enough you can. I used the Kaplan Premier 2016 and increased my score from a 30 to a 34 within a month and a half. I have heard some good things about the Princeton books as well. Best of luck!
@JNIJOKA how many hours per day/week did you study?
I went from a 2060 SAT in October to a 2310 in January so I know firsthand it’s possible. I knew I was strong in math so I spent time prepping for the other sections. You should be able to get a 30+ score if you go about it correctly. I’d just recommend spending time reviewing tough questions and why you got them wrong instead of mindlessly pushing through practice tests. Remember it’s about efficiency, especially because you’re strapped for time. Best of luck!
I normally studied about 2-3 hours per week. I really looked into the individual sections and breakdowns of the questions over blazing through practice tests.
For the English Grammar I recommend “Barron’s ACT 36:Aiming For the Perfect Score”. It has an excellent guide to all the grammar rules.
One of my friends did a practice test every Saturday for 3 months and raised his score from a 25 to a 33. I think he even got higher after that.
I only did 3 individual practice tests for one section in prep for the June ACT and I raised my score from a 29 to a 32. I’m working to improve that further.
Just do whatever practice you can! But if endurance is an issue definitely do full length