In Desperate Need of Help for the December ACT

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
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<p>If you'd rather just read the specific questions and not background information or descriptions, skip to the last paragraph.</p>

<p>So I'm taking the ACT for the third (sigh) time on the Dec. 13th date and I need some help coming up with an action plan. I'm afraid this may bore most of you as I'm having trouble getting the 29 super score that I need for 100% of a FL state scholarship called Bright Futures. This one point (raising 28 to 29) is the difference between 75% and 100%, so it's really bugging me that I haven't raised it yet. I took the ACT for the first time in June and had studied for 2-3 hours a day for a tad less than a month before taking it and received a 28 total, 29 English, 23 Math, 33 Reading, and 25 Science. I then took it again in August just aiming to raise any subscore points as the Bright Futures scholarship will super score. Unfortunately I was very sick for the few days leading up to the ACT, and had horrendous sinus headaches during the whole test. I ended up with a 27 total, 26 English (down 3), 25 Math (up 2), 31 Reading (down 2), and 24 Science (down 1). While this seems awful, this is actually alright, because it means now I only need 2 more subscore points for a super score of 29. </p>

<p>Since I'm not aiming for a great score or breaking 30 or anything I'm okay with just leaving the reading score alone. That's the section that came most naturally for me and unless it would just be very easy to improve it then I'm fine with just letting it be. I received a 16 in the Social Studies/Science part of the Reading section, and an 18 in the Arts/Literature part. </p>

<p>I am not taking the essay for Writing, as I only received a 9 on it. I was actually curious about if I should change my mind and take the essay or not, as I received a 12/12 on my SAT essay from October (if only Bright Futures cared about the writing portion...). But as far as multiple choice in the Writing section, it broke down to 17 in Usage/Mechanics and 14 in Rhetorical Skills. English was my 2nd highest score so, much like with reading, I don't expect to be raising the points in that area, but if it would be easy enough as just remembering a couple more grammatical rules I'd be willing to try raising that one.</p>

<p>Math and Science are sadly my worst scores. I think my main issue with math is, despite the fact that I really like the subject, most of the high school math the standardized tests use were things I did in middle school/freshman year, and I've since forgotten some of the concepts. I received a 12 in Pre Algebra/ Elem. Algebra, 11 in Algebra/Coord. Geometry, and a 13 in Plane Geometry/Trig. I've already finished math up through pre-calc, but do not have any of my old textbooks to look at and review as some suggest. I know that graphing is one of my weak points for sure, and I tend to try and complicate problems and use formulas I'm currently learning instead of looking for a simple solution. I already know to backsolve, and definitely do that when possible, and I know when to use my graphing calculator and when to let it be, but any advice/resources would be greatly welcomed.</p>

<p>I know the books all say that Science is basically the same as Reading, but I haven't really found that to be the case. I feel like it asks for more inferences that I'm not really sure how to make. Both times I've tackled Science the same way I did for Reading and felt okay about it going out of the test, but have received scores with large gaps between the two. They don't break this down into anything else, so I guess I just need any kind of advice for Science at all. </p>

<p>I have both the Real ACT book and the KAPLAN ACT Premier 2014 book at home. I have used all of the Real ACT book's practice tests, and quit using the KAPLAN tests after the first one I took, as I felt it was a very unrealistic projection (it was the first practice test I'd taken with no studying as a diagnostic and it said I was going to receive a 34, when I took my first Real ACT book test it projected a 26, which I felt was definitely more realistic). I still have a couple of KAPLAN tests left, as I'd started using them when I finished the Real ACT book tests just so I would have something to practice with. Also, at my school's library they have a book of test prep books that are on reserve, I didn't look to see which brands as I was just passing by, but I definitely saw a few fat books with "ACT" printed across them. Assuming these books aren't the same as the ones I already own, which ones should I look for/take off the shelves?</p>

<p>Any advice on the specific sections is welcomed and greatly appreciated, but once I know what exactly to study and what the best resources are, I need some help planning for it. It is most likely important to note that I am a Junior in high school who is taking 4 dual enrollment classes at the local community college. Honestly I just have to turn in a paper next week and after that none of my classes, besides statistics, will have any homework for the rest of the semester, just quizzes or a test. I also have one AP class online, but I am taking the semester 1 exam for that on Friday, and then since I'm ahead my teacher is going to allow me to work at a fairly slow rate (1 or 2 assignments per week), so despite my classes I actually don't have a very large workload. I am planning to figure out what to study, if no one replies, and start studying on Saturday, as I don't want to distract from my AP test and the difference between starting tomorrow and starting Saturday is only a few days. That leaves me a bit over a month to really focus and work on my skills. I would just like to remind anyone who bothered to read this far that I only need 2 subscore points, but I'd like to study enough and do better than that on the practice tests that way on test day I have some wiggle room.
I also have chronic sinus issues and tend to come down with sinus infections often. Thankfully I was well for my first ACT, and the last SAT, so while that obviously hasn't gotten me the score I need, it definitely contributes. While my doctor seems confident that she's 'fixed' my issues for now, and I haven't had a sinus infection for a month or so now, I'd also like to hear any tips for taking the test while sick, or taking it with a sinus headache (or a migraine, as I've heard they're similar).</p>

<p>So, yeah, which sections would be best to work on? The lower scores since there's more room to improve? Or the higher scores since I'm already doing alright in those areas? How often should I study per day? Since I already have an alright base is it okay to do an hour or so a day or do I still need to be in the 2-4 range that people who want really great scores do. Also, is there anywhere online where free ACT tests are floating around that aren't in the Real ACT book? Because I'd really like to avoid using those KAPLAN tests if possible.</p>

<p>Also.. I'm know that the ACT and SAT are totally different, but I figured I'd just put in the last SAT score here (my first one was something I don't want to remember) for reference. 650CR, 540M, 730W (with the 12/12 essay)</p>

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<p>Even though you aren’t looking for a perfect score, I recommend “ACT 36: Aiming for the Perfect Score.” I really like this because it actually teaches you the concepts and useful tips you need to know. There is extensive review for each section of the ACT, but I think the information for the English and Math tests are the best. It really does teach you (and give examples for) ALL of the rules/equations/concepts that you need to know.
Also, there is a full practice test over each section of the ACT (1 whole ACT practice test in total).</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

<p>-FIELDIN</p>

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<p>Pardon that bit about the practice test. There are no full practice tests in the book, but Barron’s (the company that made it) has an online prep course that looks very nice.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much :slight_smile: I don’t think my mom’s going to be ecstatic about buying me another book (like I said, it’s the third time testing) but I’ll definitely ask!</p>

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<p>My philosophy is that if you can buy something for less than $100 that will get you FREE COLLEGE, it wouldn’t make financial sense not to. Glad I could help!</p>

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<p>Check your local library for the prep books. If they don’t have what you want, request it from another library. Free.</p>

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<p>My kid’s school has a free ACT prep full test booklet (14/15) in the counselling office, also my kid has a Barron’s book that is just the math and science workbook. The books are often less than $15.</p>

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<p>Okay, my community college that I dual enroll at’s library (it’s the only physical school I go to) has Barron, Kaplan, Princeton Review, and then a couple I’d never heard of before but said they had tests from 2007/08 which of these is best
? And how should I go about studying, how many hours would be a fair amount. </p>

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<p>You can’t really study for the ACT. You practice taking the test. Set aside a few hours once every week and just take a full practice test. Print out a bubble sheet, use an actual timer, etc. It’s the best way to prepare for the real thing. And don’t give up on Test 4 even if you’re tired; you have to give it your all all the way through.</p>

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<p>Learningbirdy:</p>

<p>I coached my daughter through her past 2 ACTs. After she scored a 28 Composite in Dec 2013 (26E, 26M, 31R, 27S) . I got involved after that. So,in March she scored 29 composite (34E, 27M, 26R, 27S). In September she scored 32 (34E, 33M, 33R and 27S). The trick is to master one subject at a time. Take English practice exams until you score above a 30. Whenever you take a subject test, have someone else score it. Don’t let them tell you the right answer just that you missed it and to try again. Otherwise you won’t learn from your practice tests. People on here are dismissive of McGraw-Hill’s 10 ACT exam’s book. But I’ve seen a free version of it on the web and so you can download a pdf of it. It’s good for practicing one subject area at a time (Like 5 English tests in a row). Once you master these you can use the REAL ACT (Red book). I like to save it for a full sit down test after numerous subject test mastering. Barron’s ACT 36 is a great book. </p>

<p>English is simple. Listen to your inner voice and you can eliminate 2 answers right away as being obviously incorrect. Of the remaining two answers you usually can go with the simplest, shortest, most concise answer. </p>

<p>Admittedly, I know very little about math, but the McGraw Hill “50 skills necessary for a top math score” book was a real boost for my daughter. She got her 33 in Math in Sept and felt really confident after taking it in October. For $20 and lot of effort she picked up 5 points in a subject that had been really hard for her. </p>

<p>Reading is simple too. Quit trying to read for max comprehension. Read for moderate comprehension and high speed (about 200 words a minute). That means that on a 750 word section take no more than 3-4 minutes to read it and then spend 3-4 minutes answering questions. Try to break down the reading into manageable sections like that. Save a little more time for the prose fiction. On specific reference questions, go back to the text. The answer will be in that specific sentence (or in the one above it or below it). The ACT writers on the reading section love to trick the test taker with questions like: “In line 74 of the passage the word ‘cannon’ refers to A, a weapon; B, a principle of ethics; C, a towel manufacturer; D, a brand of firecrackers” Well, the trick is to go right to that refereed section and reread that sentence rather than go by what you know a “cannon” to be, a large gun, because it could be something else. </p>

<p>Science is all about the graphs. Every person on here will tell you don’t read the passages, just go straight for the questions (try to answer them off the graphic first, the data second, skim the passage third), except on the conflicting views sections. Read all of the conflicting views section. Also do the 5 question sections first, then the 6 question sections, then save the conflicting views 7 question section for last. </p>

<p>Also a comment for the ACT watch. It works, $45 for a handy time guide to the ACT.</p>

<p>The strategy of mastering one subject area at a time, it how I studied for my State Bar Exam. I passed it the first time and by knowing I was solid in one area, allowed me to concentrate all my effort in my weak areas just before test time. Those same strategies can work on the ACT. Break it down. You know this stuff. The answers are all right there. All that stands between you and a great score is time and effort.</p>

<p>HoverDaddy</p>

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<p>@Hoverdaddy Where do I buy the ACT watch?</p>

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<p>amazon</p>

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<p>^^^
Thanks</p>

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<p>Thank all of y’all so much (: My studying is going well so far!</p>

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<p>Thanks so much everyone (: I got my scores in this morning and received a 30! I know it pales in comparison to all of the perfect or almost perfect scores floating around here, but seeing as I only needed a 29 and I was going to quit trying after this I’m very happy. I didn’t end up buying any of the books reccomended, but I did make sure I used up almost all of the time allotted, making sure to go back over my ajswers, which I avoided after the fhirst SAT because I found I psysched myself out when I did that, but apparently it worked this time.
Here’s what I got
E: 33 (+4 from my best score)
Math: 24 (-1 from my best score), which I’m still kind of sad about because I do love math and I thought I did really well, but the area I kept getting low marks in was pre algebra which was in 6th grade for me, so I’m assuming I probably overcomplicated a lot of problems when the answer was really right in front of me.
Reading: 33 (= to best score)
Science: 29 (+4) which I’m honestly very happy with because I’d practiced the graph sections of the test a lot and how to read the passage without letting the intimidating vocabulary get to me. I’m thinking what I missed there was probably any question that needed a real knowledge of science, as, like math, things like bio or chem were a little while ago and instead of taking them again with dual enrollment I’m planning on doing “fun” ones like astronomy, oceanography, or meteorology </p>

<p>So basically I’m very, very excited and checked on my phone for the scores when I woke up in the hopes that mine would be up earlier rather than later, so I’m typing this on my phone and apologize for any stupid errors. Thanks so much, again, for your advice @FIELDIN‌ @HoverDaddy‌ @Snowme‌ @Alfonsia‌ @hawkeye295‌ </p>

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<p>Congratulations on your score ^</p>