So I just got back my score on a practice ACT and I got a 25. The odd thing is that I got a 1290 on the PSAT. (I didn’t do any prep for either) I thought by taking the ACT as a sophomore I would be able to see where I was starting from. I had to mark a lot of random boxes on the ACT because I didn’t have enough time (10 on math 5 on reading 4 on English). Am I just more geared towards the SAT? How much can I move up my ACT/SAT?
Many students do better on one test than the other – seems like the SAT is the better one for you. You are only a sophomore so you have plenty of time to improve the score. There are many ways to study including getting a book with practice exams/answers, taking a course (in person or online options are available), getting a tutor.
Your scores are not that far apart. Remember the PSAT is easier than the SAT. Some would tell you this means you will do better on the SAT, and you might. But the fact that you didnt prepare at all is the thing that sticks out to me. Prep will definitely help you, They key part of prep is knowing where the time pressure is and budgeting for it.
Get the blue book (for SAT) or the Real ACT book and use those practice test to get your timing down and I think you can break into the 30s/1300’s
Do you think I could move up to a 33-34?
Practice using the Real ACT book and score yourself. Well prepped students know what score they are going to get before they take the test, at least within a point or two. GL.
Timing is a big deal on the ACT. Work on practice questions and then do timed practice tests to determine your pacing to get through the test.
And…it is unreasonable to ask anyone her if your scores can improve dramatically (post #3). Nobody on this board knows you, your intellect, your abilities, your study habits etc. The only advice we can give is to study and re-take.
Do you plan (and how) to prep for the ACT?
Yes I’m getting a tutor. I also plan on starting with untimed practice tests to see if that is the problem and go from there.
@happy one - nailed it! My D did much better on the SAT than the ACT - the equivalent of 3 ACT points higher…
Her brother did just great on the ACT and got a 34 in one sitting, but they both got admitted to NU, so there you go!