So I got a 23 on my act my first time, really disappointed, but I took it dry. I’m hoping for a 29 by the time I finish, I have a 3.85 unweighted gpa and a 4.2/4.5 weighted. I take lots of AP classes, honors, and 1 regular class a tri. I’m a good student but not the best test taker. Will colleges look at my first score on the act/do you think a 29 is possible for me? Also tell me any tips for studying for the act. Does a tutor really help?
Don’t colleges only look at ACT scores you submit?
Nope colleges don’t just look at ACT scores. If your GPA is high and your extracurriculars are competent, then you should be fine! 
That’s the case with me rn.
A high GPA with low test scores is a sign of grade inflation. A 29 is possible, but it is still not enough for someone with your GPA. You should try and go for a 31+ (at bare minimum).
As for tips, I don’t believe tutoring for the SAT/ACT helps at all. (Maybe it’s different for subject tests.) From my experience, tutoring leads one to overusing the strategies that they teach, and makes you overthink each question, and make it much harder than it actually is. This is what happened when I went for SAT tutoring at a test center. For the ACT, I brought a bunch of ACT prep books, and I practiced from there. Each day, I would do 1-2 practice sections (rotating between each type) without timing at first. I would then correct my mistakes and try to understand what I did wrong. As I got more familiar with the test, I started timing each section. I also took practice tests at a test prep center once a week. I got a 32 on my first try (missed a 33 by 1 point), a 31 my second try (didn’t prep for this as much), and a 33 on my third try.
Thank you! The thing that I had most trouble with was time management. Anyone have any suggestions to get batter at that?