<p>To begin with, math is not my strongest subject. I am going to be a junior this upcoming year and I will be taking algebra 2. (It's an honors course if it changes anything). I am wondering if this class will have a significant effect on my math score and will raise my score as the year progresses.</p>
<p>I took the ACT December 2013, as a Junior in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. We were probably halfway through Algebra 2 by the time I tested. I went in having never even seen an ACT question before and got a 30 on the Math. I am however a strong Math student (780 Sat I). Make sure to review the topics you don’t know a little before you go in because it definitely dragged my composite down (34).</p>
<p>Should I go ahead and familiarize myself with the ACT math section? I have the baron’s 36 book. Or should I hold off on math until I get into my algebra class.</p>
<p>I personally don’t think Algebra 2 will make a significant difference. But it has the potential to help some. By some I mean like 2-3 points in the math section which could bring your composite up by a point. Anyways, my reasoning behind this is that when I took Algebra 2 it didn’t cover much additional ACT content except logarithms. If you have taken trig (or a math with trig units), geometry, and Algebra 1 I think you should be pretty much covered. The value of Algebra 2 is that it is more practice which can be vital due to the time constraints. Also, if you don’t know logs, check if they are on the testable content because I’m not 100% sure. If they were on it, it was like 1-2 questions.
I know the benefits of being speedy at math. Its my strongest subject. A 33 without prep. So I can’t speak from the point of view of someone who isn’t strong in math. I can however, speak on the perspective of not being strong in other areas. I didn’t prepare at all for the first time I took it. I majorly regret that because the second time I did some prep and gained 4 points on my composite which is significant. I spent the week before doing practice tests and analyzing my weak points and it benefitted me greatly. I was overwhelmed by the format and times the first time. I don’t think its imperative that you STUDY for the first time, but do take 1 or 2 timed practice tests. Good luck! I hope this post helps rather than confuses…</p>
<p>I found Algebra II very helpful for the ACT. The ACT has quite a few questions about substitution/elimination, factoring, and quadratic equations, and generally these are not covered until Algebra II. I would definitely expect your score to increase as the year progresses as long as you do well in Algebra II. </p>
<p>You’re screwed!!</p>
<p>Yours,</p>
<p>ckoepp127</p>