<p>I took the ACT for the second time today. The last time I took it, I ran out of time on the math section and towards the end just started filling in random answers, because I know we don't get penalized for guessing. And with the science section last time...I basically had no idea what was going on and again, filled in random answers. As a result, my English and reading scores were high but my math and science scores were below the benchmark, even though I didn't leave any answers blank. So this time, I told myself I wasn't going to just skim through the math and science sections and actually focus on the questions...only, for both sections, I ran out of time. I didn't even have time to fill in random answers at the end. Between the two sections, I left 11 blank. So...am I basically screwed? If I scored low last time but at least filled in all the answers, are my scores going to be lower this time? I think I did really well on English and reading but I have a feeling my composite score is going to be worse. I don't want to cancel my scores but I do want to take the test a third time in October. But how can I finish the math and science sections and be able to read and answer all the questions as best I can? Do I buy a book? Which one?</p>
<p>You don’t have to buy a book. I check books out from the library to save money. I plan on taking the October test, and plan on using the Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barron’s, and the Real ACT Prep in some way, shape, or form before the test.</p>
<p>I had the same problem as you! Last time I took it in February, I got 31 across the board…and then a 24 in science. For science, I suggest going straight to the questions, and then finding the information individually (usually on the graphs). Get the Princeton Review 1,296 ACT practice questions book and just do science/math test after science/math test until you get in the habit of doing them quickly.</p>