I took a baseline ACT and got a 28 composite (33 R, 32 E, 25 S, 23 M). I did no test preparation, and I messed up the bubbles on my math test which contributes to the significantly lower score. I would generally assume math would be one of my highest if not my highest score. Do you think raising this score to a 33 is possible? I plan on taking the February ACT, so I have quite a bit of time to study. What sources do you recommend?
Yes, it’s possible, especially as it looks like math and science are the areas that you can work on. TBH so much of these standardized tests can be “gamed” - it’s kind of sad in some ways. The method I have seen work best is to take ACT practice tests and grade them - then go back to every question you got wrong, determine why you got it wrong and go do some supplementary studying or get some help in that area, find more similar practice questions and redo. If it’s careless errors, make note of where you get careless so you can watch yourself on those. Then rinse and repeat - do it from scratch with a new test. There are services/classes that help you go through this test-and-correct process weekly but if you are disciplined and motivated you can do it yourself. Any of the prep-material sources will have practice tests included.
The rinse and repeat method is the way to go. Find every practice test and book possible and try to do section tests during the week and full tests on the weekends. My son did this and you could see his practice scores increasing from 28-30 per section to 34-36. I knew he was ready and he scored a 34 first time taking it.
Thank you so much!
Yes you can but you have to really put some time into it. A lot of tutors use :
The Real Act prep guide and /or 5lb book of Act practice problems. Both will have more then enough that you could ever do. Check them out on Amazon. The first book has 5 real tests and the second one has like 1,800 problems with timed sections. Get both if you can afford it.
The deal is to improve on your weakness and also… Improve your strengths.
The last 5 weeks take a complete tests every Saturday at the same time as the real test is. This includes getting up at the same time, eating a good breakfast and then go to a library,maybe their study room so it’s quiet and time yourself and do the real test.
This takes a lot of discipline to do it this way. Also get the timing down of each section. This is where kids get tripped up. The Act is a fast test for a lot of kids. Take each section timed and keep doing it till you get faster but accurate with the questions.
If your parents can afford it a tutor does help to hone down on problem areas. Like maybe 5-6 times.