Low scores in drastic need of improving? Please help?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
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<p>Hi, I have taken the ACT twice so far: one in December 2009 and the 2nd time in February 2010. Both times I have gotten a 24.... I struggle mostly on the reading and science sections and I can't seem to improve my scores no matter what I do. I have been using the Kaplan ACT 2008 Edition and Princeton Review 2008 Edition Books for review. </p>

<p>Here are my stats...
December test-
Eng- 26
Math-28
Reading- 23
Sci- 20
Writing-8</p>

<p>February test-
Eng - 29
Math - 26
Reading - 20
Science - 21</p>

<p>Obviously I need some new ways of studying because what I'm doing right now isn't working. Can anyone share with me how they study for the ACT?? I'm trying to dedicate 1-2 hrs of my day to it by taking practice tests. </p>

<p>PS: How do you approach the reading/science sections?? The princeton review book and Kaplan book differ in methods. ie: do you read the questions first and then attack the passage or the other way around?</p>

<p>If you could share your tips, I will be eternally grateful. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You said in an earlier post that you got a 27 on the ACT. Was that wrong?</p>

<p>Rather than spending so much time on the ACT, maybe you should try the SAT. Some people do better on it.</p>

<p>I would not expect a big change in your ACT score, at least not in a matter of months. Maybe if you take it again in the fall of your senior year you may see some improvement. Do a lot of reading, including newspapers and magazines, not just taking practice tests, will probably help somewhat. Because you are a junior, though, you need to formulate a realistic list of schools that match your profile at this time, not what you dream it might be. Hope this helps–good luck.</p>

<p>Oh, and by the way, a 24 is not a low score–it’s above the national average. It is a worthwhile reminder to readers of cc.</p>

3

<p>27+ is my goal. And thank you for your input. I will keep them in mind. Are there any other suggestions?</p>

4

<p>The small tips and tricks will not boost your score - it’s only real practice, and learning, and understanding that will get you to your score. Like the other poster suggested, try the SAT, maybe you’re better on that test.</p>

5

<p>By the way I got a 30 on my September 2010 ACT so studying/doing problems really does work :)</p>

<p>English- 31
Math-32
Reading- 26
Science - 29</p>

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<p>What prep books did you use and which ones do you recommend?</p>

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<p>The red book, the one made by ACT makes great practice tests.</p>

<p>Princeton review also makes a book that has over like 1000 act questions. I just did those practice tests. </p>

<p>good luck!</p>

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<p>A 6 point jump is huge, great job! I was in the same boat as you, I took the ACT 4 times and scored 30 the first 3 times, I didnt study for the first but did for the second and third. I used a different book for the 4th and got a 33, so studying really does pay off.</p>