<p>I recently got a 28 on the ACT for my first time in my junior year.</p>
<p>Real Test:
English: 27 (-2 from the practice test)
Math: 30 (-5 from the practice test)
Reading: 26 (-9 from the practice test
Science: 30 (Same)
Composite: 28 (-5 from the practice test)</p>
<p>Last Practice Test I Took
English: 29
Math: 36
Reading: 35
Science: 30
Composite: 33</p>
<p>These scores were vastly different from what all my practice tests were. I routinely got between 34-36 in math and mid to low 30's for the others. I just don't understand how these scores could be so low. It could be a grading error, but I doubt it. I didn't feel anxious or anything the test day, I felt confident and went through just like I did on the practice tests.</p>
<p>I originally planned on applying to very selective universities, but if I can't score well like I do on the practice tests I will most probably have to re work which schools I'm going to apply to.</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion for preparation or for the test day that could make me preform how I preform on practice tests. I just don't understand how it could be so vastly different. Furthermore my practice tests scores were also very inconsistent.</p>
<p>Consistent or inconsistent? o.O If they were inconsistent, that might be why. </p>
<p>From what I’ve always heard and from my own personal experience, once you’ve flat-lined your practice scores (when you’ve done enough of them that you pretty much get the same score every time), your real test will be somewhere a couple points below that (or about the same, if you’re a really good test-taker). </p>
<p>My real tests have been consistently lower than my practice test average: My SAT was 200 points lower than my practice test average, and my LSAT was 4 points lower than my practice test average. But then, I am horrible at taking standardized tests in general (I blame it on my genes - my entire (+extended) family fails at standardized tests) so these large discrepancies might just be my bad luck. </p>
<p>In terms of preparation for test day, I’ve found that the best way for me personally is to make my practice tests as close to the real test as possible. For example, if you know it’s in a classroom, then find a similar classroom in which to take your practice tests. If the real test starts at 8am, then take your practice tests at 8am. If testing conditions don’t allow for bathroom breaks/water/snacks/rests/etc, then don’t allow yourself those conditions either. If you know that the testing room will be warm/cold/loud/etc., then get comfortable with taking a test in a sweater/tank top, etc. and get used to noises or disruptions while taking practice tests. </p>
<p>If you’re doing multiple practice tests, make sure to space them out so that your real test falls on a regular practice test day. For example, when I studied for my LSAT, I took a practice test every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for about a month before my actual test, which also fell on a Saturday. Routine and regularity helps you mentally prepare for the real test, so that when you actually go into the real one you’re subconsciously relaxed as well as consciously ready to ace it. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My youngest (a junior) took the ACT 3 times. He scored below his practice tests on the first 2 and I was perplexed by that. This last time he scored consistent with the practice tests. Keep practicing and get some specific help if you think you need it. Good luck.</p>