***September 2016 ACT Discussion Thread***

Thought I could get this started so we could share what people are doing to prepare, along with tips and strategies. I know that there will be a harder Math and Science now.

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Why is the Math and Science sections going to get harder? What changes are the testmakers making?

@besteffort123

https://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/blog/2016/07/11/the-act-evolves-harder-science-and-math-arrive-with-may-update/

Your kidding me. Math is already my lowest score :frowning:

I had a 30C last test, but thats because I had a 25 in math.
On the full practice test I took yesterday I had a 33C, with a 35E, 29M, 34R, 35S.

Why can’t I do math :frowning:

Don’t panic. The Applerouth story is an opinion piece based on anecdotal evidence written by a TEST PREP COMPANY. It may be true that math and science are getting more difficult, but it will happen gradually. And colleges will be aware of it.

Anyone care to rank prep books they are using? These are the books my son has (tutor suggestions) ranked in order of his preference…

  1. The ACT Red Book
  2. McGraw Hill 10 Tests
  3. Barron’s 6 tests

@STEM2017

For me, it’s:

  1. The ACT Red Book
  2. Barron’s 36
  3. Erica L. Meltzer’s Reading & English books

I also use Princeton Review for Science + Math

+1 for princeton review, it’s really good

I’m reading through the Princeton Review one! If anyone has good tips for math and science sections, I would love advice! I have a pretty shaky math foundation . . .

I am using 5 lbs of ACT book and Gruber ACT and I have been getting more accurate as the days go by. I am getting less problems wrong. I need to sharpen my Math/Reading and I think I will be able to hit my intended goal. I also use the ACT online prep for practice questions. The lessons are absolute rubbish honestly. Some of them can be used for reference I supposed if you are stuck but for learning a topic or shortcuts is a no-no. Some answer explanations are so sad but it isn’t that bad I suppose.

I’m banking on this for Penn ED & other apps. I’m not applying to any schools until I get my scores back(but I’ll have them ready).

Goal: 33C+

hey guys…
I have:

  1. The Red Book 3rd Edn
  2. The Red Book 2016-17 Edn
  3. Manhattan Prep 5LB ACT.

now how should i go about preparing? given the amount of time i have now, where to start. i have an SAT score of 2100 which is not very good so just want to give ACT for 33+. please tell me a 1 month schedule if u have one.

how many hrs do u study from 5lb

@AllyssXx hey thats like the same with me… except i’m even all 4 but they’re lower overall than yours: Composite 33, English 32, Math 34, Reading 33, Science 33 lol

I believe Barrons is better than Princeton review.
In the 16-17 versions of both books:
Barron
has comparison passage in reading section
math questions are in randomized difficulty
science passages vary between 6-7

Princeton review
has great quality practice tests but lack the subtle changes the act has made. Not much but still makes a difference so I recommend barrons before princeton review.

@sinestro12
I have the manhattan prep 5 pound book if thats what ur refering to. It is good for doing a lot of drilling but the questions are not that realistic. nonetheless, its a great tool to help you practice focusing. I would do several drills each day from the book. I wouldn’t spend to many hours on it though and focus more on taking a full length practice test.

Hey, should I study (plan currently) an ACT TEST (I finished an English one) a day and go through missed or should I do the same one everyday rather than switching to Math tomorrow? Advice is good. Thanks.

33C scorer here. Looking to get a 35 on the sept. act

@hhjjlala I have a 33C super-score and am also looking to get a 35.

I’m a rising junior and took the december act without studying. I recieved a 30C (32E, 27M, 30R, 30S) and am looking to get a 34C (35E, 32M, 34R, 34S)

I just finished Practice Test #1 in the Red ACT Book. 35 English, 34 Math, 36 Reading, 33 Science. Composite = 35. This is very surprising since my SAT score equates to a 32 on the ACT. I think I like this more than SAT though! It will be my first time taking the test in September! Relying on this for Yale SCEA.