<p>So I've been doing ACT practice tests and my writing(grammar) and math scores are consistently 32-35 but my reading is at about 26 and my science at a dreadful 22. Does anyone have any specific tips on the last two sections?</p>
<p>Also, I've been doing practice tests from the Kaplan book and the Act prep packets from years past. What is the most effective prep book? Are actual act scores lower than practice? The reading and science portions are pulling me all the way sub-30...</p>
<p>Are you running out of time, or just answering the questions incorrectly?</p>
<p>My strategies…</p>
<p>Reading: Read the passage in approximately 3-4 minutes. Pay close addition to characters, and circle it every time a seemingly important quality is displayed, or every time a new character is introduced. It’s going to feel rushed but if you don’t completely understand what’s going on, keep going (unless you’re totally lost), and don’t re-read. You should be able to come up with a decent idea of what the passage is about, and be able to answer at least half of the questions pretty quickly. The stuff that you circled should let you finish quickly, and help you find answers in the text a lot faster. Always save the main idea question until the end of the passage; completing the rest of the questions should help you in picking the correct answer.</p>
<p>Science: I always like to skim (for 20-30 seconds) the passages on science; I find that it helps me focus, and makes answering the questions easier. If you want to, you can circle stuff here too, but it isn’t as important. Be on the lookout for laws/theories, especially in the contrasting opinions one. Make sure that you DON’T spend more than 5 minutes per passage; it’s better to make a few educated guesses, finish, and come back and correct an error or two than to run out of time and blindly fill in the last five questions. </p>
<p>I probably improved my reading and science from mid 20’s (25 and 26 respectively because I had to guess on at least 5 each) on my first ACT to mid 30’s on the most recent one. You can do it, just make sure you practice. As for prep books, I found the 1296 Princeton Review questions and most of Barron’s books to be helpful. Be warned though, the Barron’s books are significantly more difficult than the real thing. They’re designed to overprep you on difficult tests so that the real thing is easier.</p>
<p>Yea, I have some advice… RUN!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I just got the Real ACT prep book and got a Barron’s book from the library. I’m pretty squished for time on the two sections, and they are both also filled with inaccuracies… On the practice test I am taking in Saturday I’ll definitely try out your tips! Thank you again!</p>