Math and English ACT, Desperate

<p>In February:
Math - 27
English - 27
Reading - 33
Science - 30</p>

<p>Somehow my English went down from a 29 in September. I really want to get at least 30. For English, the writing is definitely my down fall. This time I thought I wrote a stellar paper, but I still only got a 9. Last time I got an 8. How can I improve? Are there any tips of quickly figuring out what to write about or is it just getting a lucky topic?</p>

<p>My math went up from a 25 in September, but I want a 30. I simply don't understand. I'm good at math, I swear I am. I've never gotten a B before. I'm a grade ahead the normal math curriculum at my school, and I'm doing well in AP Stats. I just don't know why I can't get any of this ACT Math. I think it's partly due to time and I don't know what else. Any help here? What are some ways you prepared for the math section and what techniques did you use?</p>

<p>Though I haven’t taken the real test yet, my average math score is 30 from practice tests (Red Book). I kind of feel the same way in that I believe it should be higher since math is usually my strongest subject. To prepare, I just practice a lot and actually read and understand the explanations to questions I missed. After practicing multiple times, I realized that I simply forgot some topics or didn’t pay attention to certain details, so when I go back and practice more, I know to look out for certain details on certain problems. Even in my math classes at school, to study for tests, I don’t look over notes, I practice over and over until I am comfortable. Doing so with ACT math problems has worked for me, now I just need to increase my score. </p>

<p>I tend to use my calculator a lot. If you know a few calculator tricks and shortcuts, it can help tremendously when you are stuck. Even applying knowledge from other math-related classes such as physics and statistics has helped me when I’m stuck on problems. </p>

<p>Basically, just practice a lot and read the explanations to your mistakes when they’re given.</p>