<p>I see that Xiggi and others have explained their various methods for the SAT. But I am taking the ACT, and would appreciate it if anyone ( that scored between a 30 and 36) would explain in detail what and how they achieved this feat. What specific books/resources did you use?</p>
<p>I am trying to apply Xiggi's SAT method to study for the ACT by
getting the official ACT book (The Real ACT Prep Guide)</p>
<p>I need help with the source and strategy books as there are so many to choose from. Kaplan? Cracking the ACT? or Barron's? ALL?</p>
<p>Maryjane...... know the order in which you are reading the sections, (Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, Natual Science). Do the section which you have answer the largest number of questions correctly. Give yourself 13 minutes on three of the sections and nine minutes on the most difficult section.</p>
<p>When you are on the fourth section and short on time.....(which is going to happen) answer the questions that refer to only one-two lines first.</p>
<p>I got a 31 going in blind (I really had only a vague idea about the test layout and question content) with no prep at all. It's much easier than the SAT in that everything is straightforward; the ACT will not purposely try to confuse you like the SAT does.</p>
<p>My advice: watch out for the reading and science sections. You really don't get much time on them for the amount of work you have to do for each question. A lot of my friends used Princeton Review to prepare for the test. Barron's seems to be good for lots of different test preps, but I don't how it is for the ACT.</p>
<p>You should have gotten a booklet when you registered for the ACT (or your GC should have it in his/her office. Review it--it will tell you about the format of the test, questions, etc. We bought a discounted 2005 Sparks on the old ACT (no essay) & my son reviewed it a bit before taking the test & got a 34 composite; I think his brief review helped him. By the way, he took it WITH writing, as his GC recommended. He tested well enough that neither he nor GC sees any reason for him to retest.</p>
<p>HImom congrats to your son! Unfortunately it is not usually quite that easy for even some of the best students....wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could just read the ACT booklet and review spark notes a bit before the test and be able to say " his brief review helped him......" and receive a 34.....my d struggled with the time element but with a great deal of practice she was able to break 30....</p>
<p>MaryJane...my d used the Xiggi method which emphasizes practice, practice, practice with the Real ACT practice tests and it worked for her....</p>
<p>Birdie, I can't seem to find that many official ACT tests for practice. The Official SAT has 10 real tests, but the ACT (Real ACT Prep Guide) has only about 3 tests. I won't be able to apply the Xiggi method with only 3 official tests. SAT takers can practice with about 15 old official tests. It's not fair. </p>
<p>On act.org they will let you order 2 additional "practice tests" (for $5) and "practice prompts" ($2.50). It seems to me that there are many more old official tests that can be purchaced for the SAT than for the ACT.</p>
<p>The bottom line is
* I only see a total of 5 Official Tests available for the ACT ( Getting into the ACT has 2 old ones plus The Real ACT Prep Guide has 3).
* And 2 ....I guess you would call them official act practice tests
* And 1 official practice prompt.</p>
<p>If you can find the old ACT book (pre-writing) in your bookstore you should get it, as it includes practice tests that are not found in the new one.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, great idea thanks! I could probably find some at used book stores though, and I'll check my library they should have the ancient editions. The Barnes and Noble in my area only has the new books.</p>
<p>I also plan on buying The Silent Timer to help me keep track of the time. It supposedly tells you how many seconds you have per problem. All you have to do is put in how many problems you have and how long.
The company claims that you should be able to bring this in the testing room with you. I hope they're right.</p>
<p>umm... i didnt prep or anything but one thing i can tell you is to not waste any time on the easy problems especially in the math and science sections. I myself think that the ACT is a lot more relevant than SAT and I hope the adcoms also see it this way(waiting for admission is killing me)</p>
<p>I'd suggest calling the test center about your "Silent Timer" before you invest money on it. They should be able to tell you whether you can bring it into the test center. If you can't, you should try not to rely on it or you'll really miss it when you take your exam.</p>
<p>My stubborn son has always refused to wear a watch, including for all testing. He's a very fast reader & reasoner, so he's never had a shortage of time anyway. I guess don't mess with success?</p>
<p>Maryjane..the timing device sounds great.... the fact that time seems to be an issue for even the most talented....once my d got the timing down she did well......but understand she still didn't finish the test...</p>
<p>I agree with terrybhs06 the ACT is more relevent and because you can use the ACT in place of SAT II this speaks volumns ....it has been implied you will be able to combine your best scores from different seatings ....which doesn't surprise me.....I guess my initial feeling was why take the Three SAT tests when you can take one ACT...but..... because my d just sees black and white....and never can leave an answer blank.....we realized the ACT would be a better choice for her...</p>
<p>Maryjane....
ACT.org has an online course......I am not familiar with it but I would imagine they have additional tests....</p>
<p>also a hint about the writing section...Try to write at least one and half pages for the essay. Take a side and state your position EARLY and OFTEN......</p>
<p>I have never been on lazy student but I would assume you might find statements such as..........when in doubt pick the shortest answer.....50% of the time "omit" is the right answer ....the number one is not a prime number...the number 2 is the only even prime number....tips that were around when I took the ACT....and that was so long ago...</p>
<p>For my d it was all about time management....I will try to get back to you on additional tests.....</p>
<p>Just wondering what year will you be entering college?</p>
<p>entering college in the fall 2006. I already took the ACT last year and got an average score. For the colleges that I'm applying for I need a 32 or higher.</p>
<p>I just talked with my d and she suggests if reading and english are your strong points that you should strive for a 36 in both and then reveiw for the math and science....</p>
<p>I am baking....so my messages are between steps.....</p>
<p>Since I am asssuming you are doing regular admission....you have time to study and bring up your score....my d had an average score the first time...she didn't practice...but with the practice she was able to bring up the composite.....I believe she had to raise her score 12 points to bring her composite up by 3....not easy but it can be done.</p>
<p>I see you are fairly new to this cc and so am I but one think I have learned by reading experiences of others is to make sure you have a safety school that you love....</p>