Raising score?

<p>Hi everyone. I know these scores are well below the average on this board, but I figure everyone here must be doing something right. I just have a pretty simple and quick question: how much do you think I can raise my score with practice given what I got my first time testing:</p>

<p>E: 30
M: 26 - My calculator's batteries were dead apparently... what a morale killer.
R: 28
S: 23 :(</p>

<p>Composite: 27</p>

<p>The main reason I'm asking (and hopefully some of you have experience) is because my parents don't think I should retake it, that it would be a waste of money and it'd be unlikely to raise scores. Keep in mind that I went into this test knowing pretty much the format, I didn't take any practice tests, etc. I'm generally just hoping to raise it to possibly a 29 or 30. </p>

<p>Also kind of offtopic... but what would be some general suggestions, if I were to retake it, to raise my science score? I just read looked at the questions and tried to answer, but I had like 5 left that I had to just guess on.</p>

<p>not sure if this will help but heres what i did:</p>

<p>the first time i took the act:</p>

<p>E: 34
M: 32
R: 31
S: 29</p>

<p>C: 32</p>

<p>second time i got:</p>

<p>E: 36
M: 35
R: 33
S: 35</p>

<p>C: 35</p>

<p>so you can definitely improve your score. all i did to improve was to take practice tests to learn to pace myself. </p>

<p>for science, the most important thing is timing. dont ever read the passages first--almost all the questions can be answered by just looking at charts and graphs. sometimes you will need a passage, but always read the question first and then look for the answer (usually you will be told where to look for the answer). the best way to get better at this is to practice on actual old tests. when you practice, take the test in the same situation you will be in for the real thing. sit at a desk and make sure to time yourself.</p>

<p>you will also probably improve on math since your calculator wont be dead :-)</p>

<p>your other scores are fine if you want a 29 or 30. good luck!</p>

<p>Yeah, you can definitely raise your score!! Take PRACTICE TESTS! If you didn't even take practice tests, your scores will probably go up once you take practice tests and REVIEW WHAT YOU GOT WRONG! :P</p>

<p>Thanks guy for the responses.</p>

<p>One more question: If I get an ACT prep book, I've definitely considered the "real" act book. are there different versions to this so that I can get as many "real" practice tests as possible? Thanks.</p>

<p>Haha, wow unkn, we are in the EXACT SAME BOAT. i got identical ACT scores to you, and am also aiming for a 28-32...</p>

<p>i used the real act prep guide too. probably the best out there. just consistently take practice tests over and over and over...thats what i did.</p>

<p>If i study this summer how possible do you think it will be for me to get about a 33 or 34 from my 28....</p>

<p>Honestly, all you need to do is just keep practicing. To as many practice tests as you can and then review what you got wrong. In comparison to the SAT, the ACT is much more simplified. There's not a magic formula...Just be consistent.</p>