<p>Will the October ACT make the deadline for Early Decision? You guys, I'm so depressed at my score--well mainly science. Ugh, you guys--I really need to pick up my ACT scores a couple points to get above a 32. I really need to hear about some methods of prep, and advice. Also, when should I start prepping for the October ACT. I mean, I also want to take the World History SAT II and maybe retake Biology. Please guys, any advice would be awesome.</p>
<p>Yes, it will</p>
<p>Heh, I'm at a 31...98%! But I too am trying to get a 33+ on this next exam! :)</p>
<p>The December ACT would be in time for Regular Decision, right?</p>
<p>MattCarmona, I hear you on the 33+...I got a 32 on the June test, and am slowly talking myself out of taking it again just for a point or two..I'll be going to a state school, so it doesn't really matter for me, I was just trying to ensure a free ride (saving up for a good grad school hopefully)..Good luck man!</p>
<p>bumping once. Has anyone actually underwent any drastic ACT improvements?</p>
<p>Thanks, peck191! If I can nail that, I will feel a lot better about my application. :)</p>
<p>Ivy: My composite increased 5 points (27-32), but it was spread out over a couple tries...</p>
<p>Matt: where are you applying?</p>
<p>EA to Harvard, so that's why I'm in a time crunch. :) (And a number crunch for that matter...)</p>
<p>I had 32 on April, and I signed up for June before I had my results back, so I figured I'd give it another shot.</p>
<p>I ended up with 33, pretty happy with this, but the longer I see that I went down from 36 to 33 in math (definitely my best subject), the more I think I can hit 34.</p>
<p>If I could only boost my reading into the 30s...I took the ACT twice this year, (top scores: Eng 35, Math 36, Sci 36) I'd be set for sure.</p>
<p>My score went from 23 to 32.</p>
<p>Going for a 34 in october!!!!!</p>
<p>That's very impressive...</p>
<p>Im sticking with my 33 since new SAT equiv = 2200+.</p>
<p>ivyleagueorbust...</p>
<p>i am totally on the same boat as you are...you feel so helpless sometimes. i took two acts in april, scored a 29, then a 30. i was so mad...i knew i could do better (32+). i studied like three act books and retook in june...scored a depressing 31. the thing that really makes me mad is that i showed improvement in all areas except science:</p>
<p>english 32, 34, 35
math 31, 33, 34
reading 27, 28, 30
science 26, 25, 25 <strong><em>AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!</em></strong>*</p>
<p>The thing that scares me is that i am a high school researcher...i should be able to look at data and interpret the results and stuff. i really do think it is the time constraints and the fact that after three hours of testing you just lose your concentration. but whatever it is, i have decided to put the ACT to rest...i am going to take the SAT this fall, since it doesn't have any science. and then, no matter what my score is, i am saying goodbye to both of those tests b/c personally, i don't think they are worth spending hours studying for. i would much rather study bio or chem or spanish or something like that. plus, i think colleges will understand if your test scores are not so hot. we are not all geniuses, you know.</p>
<p>Getting a 31, for me atleast, is like scoring a 1290, 1390, or 1490. You are so close to that 99 percentile, yet so far. :) I hope to improve to at LEAST a 32 next time just because that 31 drives me crazy.</p>
<p>Yeah, but a 31 is just as potent though. Most competitive schools (disregarding HYPS) would accept anything over a 30. Oh, and fruita--what did you use to practice?</p>
<p>yeah i just saw i can take the ACT sooner than october...theres a september date....the sooner the better right? Not early decison though.</p>
<p>Wait, you guys--how long before the actual exam do you all start to prepare?</p>
<p>Im bumping Ivy's question because I am in the same boat. I have never really studied, so I don't know where to begin and how much time to allow</p>
<p>The best time to study would be...........Now! </p>
<p>Allow enough time to compare various books - although "The Real ACT Prep Guide" is a must. </p>
<p>If you find that you are expecially weak in one of the sections, I suggest you buy the Barrons book as it provides comprhensive reviews in all areas of the test - plus an additional three practice tests to help reinforce what you have learned. Depending on how much work you need (which will be determined by your previous ACT/Plan/Diagnostic scores) studying can range from a few weeks to a several months.</p>