I really need a 28 or 29 to get into and be able to afford my top choice school. The first time I took the ACT I got a 21 with no prep. Then I took it 2 more times with no prep and got a 25 and then a 26. A 26 is good enough to get into my safety, but I really really want the 28/29. I just can’t get myself motivated. Do you guys have any tips on how to pace myself with studying? I have the red ACT book and PR. I have a tutor every friday so I’m doing practice tests for her, but I want to do more to guarentee that I get a higher score in time for the early action deadline. Any tips for self studying/how to motivate yourself?
just to clarify:
first time
21C
21R 21E 18M 23S
second time
25C
28R 23E 23M 24S
third time
26C
26R 27E 25M 24S
so if I get help with math and improve science I should have a chance right?
Practice, Practice, Practice. I know this sounds cliché, but it’s really all you can do to raise your score. After taking many practice tests you’ll realize what areas in math you need to improve on. Keep in mind that the math section is mainly Geometry, Elementary Algebra and some simple pre-calculus.
@Dylan197 thank you!
Yeah, at this point I would stop focusing on full practice problems and start focusing on doing problems at the level that trip you up. I haven’t taken the ACT yet, but I studied a lot for my first SAT and I didn’t do all that well. I have the grades and ECs, but the SAT just wasn’t my thing. So I luckily found some resources that highlighted level 4 and 5 problems (Khan Academy and also searching “level 4/5 SAT reading/writing/math questions”).
These tests have a way they structure their questions and they sort of just change the names and number values around. I wouldn’t recommend trying to memorize how to solve each type of hard problem, but I would find out the mindset that the test wants you to think with for the harder level problems. I know ACT is more straightforward than the SAT, but for my SAT they really wanted test takers to take a hard look at the clues given and sort of work backwards and investigate to find the answers. I actually started getting these questions right!
So for you, I’d recommend that you start paying close attention to higher level problems that continuously get you stuck. Keep practicing the hard problems until you can do them at a quick pace like the ACT requires. Also practice your essay. Definitely do some searches on “How I can write a better ACT essay” or something like that. You’ll find tons of results and helpful resources that will guide you. I definitely wouldn’t give up now…you’re really close to your goal. You’ve also done better on the next exam each time you’ve taken it. I’d definitely give it one more try with more focus on problems that trip you up and improving your essay further for your prep. Remember, at this point, if you score the same as your last test, but improve one area drastically, you’ll probably get the score you need. Good luck!
*full practice tests
@BioTech36 thank you this really helped. I will definitely keep trying bc I could potentially save my parents $50,000 just by getting 2 more points!