Is this a good first-time ACT practice score?/let's talk general strategies&books...

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>Hi,
In the past few days I've JUST started trying out the ACT... I may take it this coming April 9th, but I'm not positive. Anyways, I just tried a practice test at home using the real ACT prep book, and as a composite score I got 32 (35 writing, 32 math, 31 reading, 30 science). Is this a good score to start out with, and do you think it's possible for me to eventually get to 34-35 range when April comes around? (If I regularly practiced ACT from now till April)</p>

<p>For the math section, I made stupid mistakes which is why I got a 32, but for reading and science, those scores resulted because I actually did kind of badly on them...</p>

<p>For the reading, I've heard mixed opinions on strategies; some say read passage thoroughly, then answer, others say read quesitons first then skim for the answer, etc.
I know people use different strategies, but what are general key things to keep in mind when prepping for this section? (I'd assume learning to read fast AND efficiently is one of them)</p>

<p>As for science, I think the main factors are time and being comfortable with digesting/understanding foreign info in a limited amount of time. I realized while taking the test that sometimes reading the bulky passages is unnecessary, especially if u already know the info well from school. Again, does anyone have good tips for getting at least a 34 on the science section?</p>

<p>and FINALLY (bear with me here <:-), my last question is this: currently I only have one prep book - the red book - just to see what the ACT is about/practice. What are other great prep books to use that don't deviate too much from the actual ACT test? (ex. I heard Barron's is much harder, but I guess that'd help for people wanting to over-prepare)</p>

<p>Many thanks!!!!</p>

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<p>No. It’s a terrible score. It’s 4 points away from perfection. You’re score disgust me. Don’t come back to these forums until you can make a 36.</p>

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<p>The first time I took the ACT (without practice) I got a 32. If you’re aiming for the Ivies, I think you should definitely bring it up to a 34.</p>

<p>The ACT publishes sample tests every year. Here’s a list:
Preparing for the ACT 2011-2012: <a href=“http://■■■■■■/gGd5To[/url]”>http://■■■■■■/gGd5To&lt;/a&gt; (same as 2009-2010, no 2010-2011)
Preparing for the ACT 2007-2008 (from Scribd): [url=&lt;a href=“http://scr.bi/gU6Uia]PREPARING”&gt;http://scr.bi/gU6Uia]PREPARING</a> FOR THE ACT 2007-2008<a href=“same%20as%202008-2009”>/url</a>
Preparing for the ACT 2005-2006 (from Scribd): [url=&lt;a href=“http://scr.bi/fbGmDX]PREPARING”&gt;http://scr.bi/fbGmDX]PREPARING</a> FOR THE ACT 2005-2006<a href=“same%20as%202006-2007”>/url</a></p>

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<p>For a first time score, a 32 is great. You should easily be able to raise that a couple or three points by April if you prepare.</p>