<p>At home, I score at least 31+ on the ACT. In class, we've done practice exams and I scored a 32 composite. Yet, on the real thing yesterday, I probably scored a 24-25 (I also had the flu, but I felt like even if I didn't have the flu, I would have done badly. I also didn't even read some of the reading and closed my booklet early, but I felt so ugh.) I have a confidence issue with it, but I don't know what to do. At home, I feel so relaxed and do so well. Even in class, I do because I know it doesn't really count for anything. Then when it does, I get scared and tremble. What should I do?? I only need a 28 or so to get into college, but I just want to get higher because I feel like I should be getting higher.
Thanks.</p>
<p>How are you preparing the week or so before the test? It’s best to really relax and just have fun the last few days before the test. The day or two before the test you should just watch a movie or do something you enjoy. I have had similar experiences with the SAT and LSAT–once you reach a certain level of ability (measured by your average score), the key is to relax when you actually take the real thing. </p>
<p>I like to think of the SAT as analogous to sports. The day before the game, there’s no point in practicing and training more. It will only stress you out and make things harder. Instead, you have to go in and just have faith in your abilities (which you should, because you have put in the required effort beforehand) and then just go with it. I have found this to be the key to performance in my own experience. </p>
<p>Don’t assume that the flu wasn’t slowing you down. When your immune system is busy fighting off an infection, you may have less mental energy to deal with stress. You might feel much better next time even if you don’t change your prep style.</p>
<p>Exactly. You were sick. You can’t conclude anything. I wouldn’t even have bothered taking the test if I had the flu. Plus you probably made everyone in that room sick.</p>