October 2010

<p>OK....Those out there making the 30+ scores. I am looking for all the advice you can give on your personal strategies for all 4 sections. I have the Red Book and PR. My scores are low and I HAVE to get them up!! I am taking and retaking practice exams and could really use some more of those. Thank you!!</p>

<p>English:

  • Brush up on grammar (e.g. who/whom)
  • Read the questions carefully–a “NOT” might be thrown in
  • More likely than not, the answer will be the least wordy of the choices
  • Whenever “OMIT” is an answer, it is likely to be the correct answer</p>

<p>Math:

  • Scratch work is your best friend!
  • Skip questions that you’re unsure about, and return to them later if you have time
  • Be careful in your work, but equally mindful of time</p>

<p>Reading:

  • Speed read the passages without losing their meaning, then answer questions–all (correct me if I’m wrong) the answers are stated explicitly in the passages
  • Complete the passages in an order of your choosing–you may find it easier to begin with prose, and end with natural science</p>

<p>Science:

  • Familiarize yourself with the 3 types of passages (charts/graphs, experiments, fighting scientists)
  • Complete the section based on which passage(s) you’re most comfortable with; use the first minute to determine the order you’ll complete them in
  • For charts/graphs, go straight to the questions
  • For experiments, jot down what changes in each experiment
  • For fighting scientists, determine which scientist has the most questions and start with that one</p>

<p>There are a lot of good misc tips for science in PR ACT. Hope this isn’t too long.</p>

<p>It’s not too long. Thank you so much!!</p>

<p>English - I kinda just go with what i feel is right, which usually is (35 Eng), so idk how to help you here</p>

<p>Math - aspheric said it - SCRATCH WORK and the MOST IMPORTANT THING: if you can’t figure out how to solve a question, skip it and return to it later. I have found that coming back with a fresh start to a problem works WONDERS. Work fast, but not fast enough to cause careless mistakes. Remember: an easy problem is worth just as much as a hard problem.</p>

<p>Science - DO NOT READ THE PASSAGES unless it is the opposing viewpoints passage. Go straight to the questions and find the chart it asks for. Answer FAST and don’t overthink answers.</p>