@clichescreenname I heard the math section was brutal on the September ACT… I almost took the ACT in September instead of October, and hearing that made me glad I didn’t 
Would you say the revamped essay makes that section better or worse?
@TheFutureDoc16 IMO, the new revamped essay is harder because you need more outside knowledge/evidences than the previous essays. That is because the revamped essay’s prompt addresses an issue and also along with that, 3 perspectives which you need to address all 3 of them. And the revamped essay prompt has now drifted away from the cliche, “high school” prompts where it’s like: “Should there be more homework or less homework”. The revamped essay prompt now contains more real-life problems, not just high school stuff.
I took the SAT once but it was not good experience…So what do you guys say about ACT…I heard Maths is hard on the ACT but I am good at Maths So there is no issue…The only issue for me is English.Because English is not my first language
ACT Math covers more difficult material, but the material is worded in an easily understandable manner (like one would see on a high school test).
ACT English is comparable to SAT Writing. Both test grammar skills.
ACT Reading is like SAT Reading, but doesn’t have much vocabulary at all. However, it must be completed much more quickly.
ACT Science is about interpreting graphs and charts.
@TheFutureDoc16 same! Don’t wanna stress out but still am, deciding which act prep book to buy…
Junior taking it for the first time. Took one practice test from red Book and got a 31, so I’m aiming for a 32+. I’ve basically done no prep so far lol, but Good Luck Everyone!
@deeeznuts same here man… Pretty nervous but there are other tests! So I won’t go crazy, just chill and study…
Any have any study tips? Just take practice tests?
I’m so happy that I’m done with the ACT. I got a 32 Composite so if anyone is aiming for something around there feel free to PM me!
Why do some people have like locks on their profile picture? probation?
@hpcool11 Princeton Review’s “Cracking the ACT” is what I’ve been using, it has some really good strategies in it. It helped my practice test scores go from 22 to 30.
Princeton is great.
Hey everybody–just wanted to throw out there that you can get a bunch of ACT books from prior years at your public library and use those for practice tests…S1 checked out about 15 books because he had been through all his practice tests in the books I had bought. ACT hasn’t changed much so last couple of years of books gave him a lot more tests (for free). He probably did 20 practice tests…and went from a 31 to a 35. Good luck!!
so how is each section going to exactly change ?
is the english going to still look like the english section ?
reading ?
science ?
math ?
The best way to study for the ACT is to practice with REAL ACT tests. The 3rd edition of the Real ACT Book (Red Book) has 5 tests to get you started. They are old, but you will get a feel for most of the concepts. Then move on to released tests from 2013/2014/2015. Using the work throughs in the Black book is also very helpful.
*****DO NOT USE THE READING PROMPTS IN THE RED BOOK. Use the materials a at this link instead: http://www.actstudent.org/writing/enhancements/
TIME each practice session to simulate the real test.
English 75 questions in 45 min.
Math 60 questions in 60 min.
Reading 40 questions in 35 min.
Science 40 questions in 35 min
Score your test, and then review only what you got WRONG after each practice session.
I suggest the following schedule:
Take 1 section each week night/with review for 4 nights/week.
Twice per month on a Saturday or Sunday take a full ACT test/with review.
Track your progress!
Here is a detailed sample schedule to get started, modify it to meet your needs:
Mon: English section with review
Tues: Math section with review
Wed:. Reading Section with review
Thu. Off
Fri: Science Section with review
Sat: FULL ACT with review
Sun: Off
Does the east coast take the same test as the west coast? Because some people said that the ACT was really easy in September (I think the east coast) but the entire west coast pretty much said that it was the hardest ACT ever.
Is the October test easier than the September?? I felt the September math was honestly more difficult than other times i’ve taken it. I’ve literally taken the ACT 7 times and still only have a 25!!!:((((( any advise please !!! I’m a terrible test taker because I stress so bad and have the worst anxiety. Any tips on how y’all approached the science and reading portions would be great!!
Also, what did anyone do to raise their score?
@redhead905 I’d recommend buying Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and listening the night before and morning of the exam to keep yourself calm and patient. Helps me tremendously.
I am taking the October one and just started studying for it. I am already a little stressed out since my score is around 27-28.