<p>Okay, so I feel like I've been struggling so much for the ACT. Every time I take a practice test, I'm getting the same scores: a low 26-28. I really want to aim for higher than a 30, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I've used a Princeton Review test prep book. </p>
<p>I struggle most with the reading and science sections. No matter how hard I try, I still end up missing so many questions. </p>
<p>I don't understand why this test is so difficult for me. I do take honors and AP classes with a 4.0 gpa. It makes me so angry how I can't get any higher.</p>
<p>Please give me advice how I will be able to raise my scores. Thank you.</p>
<p>First,taking honors classes doesn’t mean you will score high on standardized tests. I suggest you get the Real ACT prep guide(red book) and 1296 questions from PR. For the science I do suggest studying the format of that section. Do the passages with the least amount of questions and lots of graphs first since those tend to be more straightforward and all you have to do is look back at a chart referenced in the question. Do you read the answer explanations? Don’t just read them, try to understand WHY they are wrong. Go over the ones you got right as well. For reading, try to pinpoint which types of questions and passage types trip you up and do extensive prep on those specific one. If you pinpoint your weaknesses and work on them as well as taking numerous practice tests, your score will be higher.</p>
<p>Look at this link <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=1071765”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=1071765</a></p>
<p>wow, thanks, that really helped!!</p>
<p>Higher than a 30 is top 2%, which is a lofty goal.
I would recommend getting as many test guides as possible, taking all the practice tests, and reviewing the wrong answers.
Don’t do more than a section or half section per day.
We started studying four months in advance.
My two boys got a 28, and a 25, so it worked pretty well here.</p>
<p>Barron’s 36 and the Real ACT books are all you need. Barron’s focuses on the most basic concepts that are often missed on the test. The Real ACT obviously has real ACT tests that are extremely helpful in learning the test. If you spend at least two weeks to a month before the test, your scores should increase.</p>
<p>Do you recommend reading the books cover to cover if it’s your first time taking the ACT?</p>
<p>if you are someone that could likely get a near 36 if you had unlimited time, then here is the secret: PRACTICE TESTS. Do as many as you can in order to adjust your pace. It’s ALL about pace. I went and bought every single ACT practice book I could find…even sketchy unheard of ones just to work that pace lol. (However, I only did each science and reading section from every practice test/book). I never read the test prep books; I only used them for their practice tests. </p>
<p>I got 35 on reading twice, but never really figured the science out (28 was my best)…but I think it’s just because I’m really bad at science in general and do not understand any of the jargon (which although is CLAIMED to be irrelevant, I disagree because after completing chem the science was a bit clearer for me). Maybe being exposed to your senior year science course will also help. </p>
<p>However, if you just don’t know how to do the problems/answer the questions, then I’m not sure the best approach for that other than saving the fighting scientists and your weakest type of reading passage for last…but being an overall faster test-taker certainly can’t hurt. Good luck! :)</p>