I decided to take the ACT a few weeks ago after I took it cold (no studying) and got a 34. Now, a lot of my friends who are taking both the SAT and ACT have taken various test prep classes and have recommended that the Princeton Review classroom course is especially good, as well as other options such as tutors, etc. However, I’m wondering - is it really necessary to take a test prep course like this? Although cost is not an issue (however I’m someone who doesn’t like spending too much money on useless things), I’m going into my junior year and don’t want to be bogged down by humongous amounts of test prep classes in addition to my heavy courseload. Granted, I am looking into this option because “everyone else is doing it”, but people did say that classes helped bring their scores up - but for a score like mine already in the fairly high range, are they really necessary/useful to maintain and/or raise it? In terms of studying on my own, I have been very motivated for class-based exams (e.g. APs), but I don’t really know how to study for things like this besides just doing random sample sections (which will eventually run out…) since it’s not really testing specific material. Finally, just to make sure that first test wasn’t a fluke, I have been doing a few sample sections (the ones on the ACT website) and so far have consistently scored within the 32-35 range. With all that information, do you think it would be helpful in any way at all to take test prep classes - and if not test prep classes (which meet multiple times a week and would be kind of stressful in my schedule), maybe a tutor that could come once a week-ish?
Hmm… I can get C34 without any preparation, so maybe I can get C35-36 with a little self preparation.
Or…
I could spend some money on a test prep program, stress out over the class schedule, waste plenty of time doing drills and homework that I probably don’t need and probably get the same score.
If you’re going to spend the money, and money is not much of an issue, get yourself anot experienced tutor who can show you quickly what to focus on. You might get C34-36 fast and efficiently.