Improving my ACT score from a 27 to a 33?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

Hello!
I’m a junior in high school, and I just recently took the ACT in September for the first time.
It was kind of a rough test; I studied very little and was up very late the night before (got home at 12 and went to bed at 2ish because I was cheerleading for an away game). Needless to say, I was tired while taking the test.
I wasn’t sure how I would score, having never taken the test before, and never taken any pretests.

My composite score turned out to be a 27, which was better than I expected.
Here’s a breakdown of my scores.

English 24

Mathematics 22

Reading 33

Science 28

During the test, I worked surprisingly well at pacing myself, and I had time to read all of the questions.
However, I want to get my score into the thirties range. My ultimate goal would be a 33, but that might be a bit too high.
I want to take the ACT again in the spring. What’s the best way to study? I’ve been looking at PrepScholar, is that a good website to get my score into the 30’s? Is it possible to raise my score to a 33 in the time allotted?

Any input or tips would be much appreciated!

2

start with a practice test while you are rested and then look at the math problems you missed. There is a big jump from 32 to 33. I think your immediate goal should be in the 30’s and go from there. Do not underestimate the value of practice tests under realistic timed conditions.

I can’t speak to PrepScholar but if it’s free or affordable, it can’t hurt.

3

I went from a 26 (April junior year) to a 33 (Sept. senior year), so let me give you my take on your situation.

MATH: This is your really bad section, so put around 40-50% of your efforts here. Basically, the math section has dominantly recurring concepts - it’s not some crazy stuff you’ve never seen before. That being said, go for the basics. I’m not sure if your issue was accuracy or actually understanding the question, but I’d say that nailing the main areas (like geometry, basic algebra, trig/triangles, number theory, etc.) will really push you into the 30’s. The ACT Red Book (from the official makers of the test) does an awesome job with the math section and with hammering the basics.

ENGLISH: Another one of your weaknesses. I’d say focus 25-35% of your time here. This one came naturally to me, but in your case I’d suggest going through a full practice test and see what areas mess you up. Even online places like VarsityTutors are good for the English section (they suck for other sections though, so just use it for English). If you’re struggling with grammar, then google or research some of the grammar rules you’re missing and write them down. Mentally plugging A,B,C, and D into each sentence/question also really helps, if you have the time for that. If it’s the content questions you’re struggling with, then I’d suggest reading the answer choices first and then making sense of each one with respect to the paragraph/passage. Focus on the message the author’s trying to convey.

SCIENCE: Get “For the Love of ACT Science.” It’s an awesome book, and it got me from a 23 to a 34 in Science. If that’s not possible, then just take this advice: “Skip the passage and go straight to the questions, and if a question doesn’t make sense, then just read the answers.” Usually the answers are often the questions disguised themselves, and that saves you a ton of time. Save the “arguing scientists” passage for last - and for that passage, you just read the intro, the first sentence of each scientist’s claim, and then go to the questions.

READING: You seem pretty solid here, so great job. If you wanna go higher, then really focus on inference and understanding the author’s intention/tone - those are usually the higher-level questions that are missed.

Oh, and definitely get some sleep! Taking the test tired is the worst, since the ACT is very fast-paced and you need to constantly be on your A-game when it comes to attention. Maybe have some coffee in the morning, it helps me stay alert throughout the exam.

Good luck! PM me if you have questions. You got this :slight_smile:

4

Thank you for the reply!
You’re right, math is most definitely my weakest subject. I’m just taking Algebra 2 this year, while many of my classmates are taking Honors Trig/Pre-Calc (Sophomore year, most of my classmates doubled up on geometry and Algebra 2, which I should have done. Not doubling up on math courses was one of my biggest mistakes.).

English was the test in which I mentally struggled the most; the lack of sleep and stress messed with my head a bit.

Do you know if PrepScholar is worth the investment? If I can get my ACT score up to a 30, it makes the difference between a $10,000 and $20,000 scholarship.

I will take your advice in stride! Thank you for replying!

5

I used Prepscholar and raised my score from a 27 to a 32. I raised my English 8 points and my reading 9 points. I really helped and I didn’t even use it that much. If I would have studied more I probably could have raised it more.

6

Did you follow the recommended 40-hour program? & was it hard to schedule?