New to ACT

<p>Hey. I've given SAT 2 times with a superseded score of 2130
I want to apply in IVY leagues so I was just thinking to try my hand on the ACT
I am totally new to it and know nothing how to prepare for it. Can anyone please suggest anything?
And what level of science do I have to study ? Are there some definite lessons or something like that ?
Please be detailed and also give the range for ACT score which is considered at the IVY level</p>

<p>I haven’t taken it myself, but I have seen posts here on CC that say the science section is more reading graphs, interpreting tables, and dealing with hypothetical experiment situations</p>

<p>@bodangles But does that require me to study about those lessons before ? and are the definite ?</p>

<p>the science section is more of being able to comprehend and looking at graphs and tables and being able to interpret them and answer questions. you barely need background knowledge (well i took one of the official practice tests that actually asked me what the balanced equation was). the only real issue with the ACT is the timing so you need to make sure you get used to the test beforehand. it’s like 40 minutes for 35 questions (2 different sections for reading and science) 45 questions in 75 minutes (english) and 60 questions in 60 minutes (math) so it’s a bit of a time crunch. oh and 30 minutes for the optional essay at the end. and the math is like the SAT but has lots of trigonometry… and i’m pretty sure an ivy league level composite score for the ACT would be atleast like a 33 which is equivalent to about a 2200 at the least </p>

<p>Thanks alot @goblazers
Any book you would like to suggest ?</p>

<p>no problem. i like using the Real ACT prep guide (the red book) since it includes 5 actual practice tests from previous years. I would just get that book and atleast like maybe once every weekend do one practice test and treat if it was like a real exam and then spend the week going through what you missed. there are also other books you could check out from the princeton review, etc. but i feel like the red book gives the most preparation and practice. </p>

<p>Also, OP - go check out the practice test on the ACT website: actstudent.org </p>

<p>What grade are you in? What math, English, and science courses are you in?</p>

<p>Science is graphs, more like a critical reading section.</p>

<p>@goblazers - How much prep time am I looking at ? To start with, I have a 2100 in sat. Can you relate something ?</p>

<p>do your first practice test and see how it goes, honestly it depends on the person since the act is an aptitude test and the sat is more of a reasoning test. there are people who score extremely well on the SAT (like you) who do not do as well on the act simply cause the SAT is more for them. or who knows, you might do better. personally i like the ACT better cause it’s more straightforward and i’m more of a math/science person haha. i would base it off how well you do on a couple practice tests. I would atleast do a minimum 30 minutes a night reviewing with the practice tests on the weekends</p>

<p>@goblazers - and how much score on ACT will improve my chances of admission in top level colleges ?
P.S. I am from India</p>