<p>Okay, I realize there are a lot of really smart people here that complain about 750's on SAT and 33's on ACt. D is not one of them. She gets excellent grades in all honors and AP classes while juggling a ridiculous schedule with work and outside activities. But she basically sucks at tests. Took both the SAT and ACT this spring without any type of prep and here are the disappointing results:</p>
<p>SAT CR 570
M 580
W 680 ( figures schools don't even look at this)
Essay 9</p>
<p>ACT Composite 24
English 29 Essay 10
Math 25
Reading 20
Science 21</p>
<p>She likes the format of the ACT much better than the SAT, but comparing the scores, I guess she did better on the SAT. </p>
<p>What does she do from here? she was hoping to achieve somewhere around 2100 SAT and 30-31 ACT. Is there any info on which test people are able to raise scores higher than the other? </p>
<p>Appreciate it. </p>
<p>Worried mom</p>
<p>I am in the same boat as your D. I do well in school, but my standardized tests are quite disappointing. I personally think raising the ACT score would be easier. I was able to raise my 26 to a 30 with just 1 month of prep (very loose prep). The reason i think ACT is easier to raise is because i already know nearly ALL the material, just sharpening up on time is the only issue. If your D is pretty good with all the content, then it shouldn't be too hard to raise the ACT score. Just got to work faster!</p>
<p>I personally rose from a 26 to a 29 on the ACT with no studying at all, simply becoming familiar with the format and how to pace myself. Im not sure if that will help with a dramatic increase, but the ACT is more straightforward than the SAT.</p>
<p>imo the ACT is the easiest to raise.</p>
<p>And your D doesn't study and wonders why she does bad on tests....thats funny.</p>
<p>So for both of you did your prep involve just practice tests? I've read that the ACT Red book is the best source for practice tests? And how do you increase the Reading scores? Is there a method that works for you? We are actually floored that her math score was better than reading, math isn't her strongest subject.</p>
<p>llpitch,
Thanks for the input. As far as not studying, she really didn't have a lot of time to devote to practice tests for either the SAT or ACT. As I said she had a pretty rigorous schedule between work, outside activities and schoolwork. </p>
<p>But obviously, now that school is out this will be her main focus. Just trying to get some direction/advice from others that have experience with raising scores. She wants to focus on one test or the other.</p>
<p>I would say ACT. It's more straightforward than the SAT, although she will need to work on her timing. A lot of people do poorly when they don't prep; my first SAT score was rather embarassing, and I'm a straight-A student.</p>
<p>In addition to the real ACT guide, she should also use the Princeton Review guide, Cracking the ACT. It's GREAT.</p>
<p>Thanks 98, that's the type of constructive advice I am looking for. I will certainly get the guides you mention.</p>
<p>I agree with 98. The princeton review book helped me raise my english score nearly 10 points. The Princeton review cracking the ACT book is great, but i recommend to not use the reading section advice. Your D should just take practice tests, and see what strategy she uses best. Everyone works differently so she just needs to find out what would be the best strategy for her.</p>
<p>As far as raising scores.... Here is my history of scores.. just to give you an idea of how easy it is to raise scores.</p>
<p>First practice test ever (no practice) : 25
One more practice test. The week prior to the real thing : 27
First ACT test (real thing): 28
Some studying...
Second ACT test (real thing): 30 (30.25 :(. 1 question off of a 31)
Some more studying and practicing.
Last practice ACT test: 32</p>
<p>I plan to study more, and will take the september test :D. But I am running out of practice act tests lol.</p>
<p>SAT is hands down easier to own. ACT more or less tests what you already know while the SAT attempts to test your ability to think. It is a ton easier to boost the SAT by studying than the ACT because the SAT is a cocky SOB that thinks it is so good. The bigger they come, the harder they fall.</p>