<p>I've been taking ACT practice tests, and, almost every time, I've gotten a 34. My scores vary 1 or 2 points, average is prob: M:36 E:34 R:33 S:33. After each test, I look at my mistakes. Each one I've made was a stupid mistake, but I can't seem to get past making stupid mistakes. I've never felt too rushed, except maybe on the reading section, so time doesn't seem to be the major problem. I guess my question is, how can I get past these dumb mistakes?</p>
<p>34 is an amazing score. Don’t worry about it, they’ll view it nearly the same as a perfect 36. Great job!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot sara, I understand 34 is a good score by a college’s standards, but I still want to strive for better. If anybody could recommend any strategies or books other than the red book that could help me get rid of these mistakes, that would be great.</p>
<p>At that point most of them will be silly mistakes. Your only hope is to get rather lucky, but don’t worry. I have a 34(.25!!) too; we’re in good company.</p>
<p>i’ve been practicing too, but how do you score all your sections?</p>
<p>I’ve heard good things about Cambridge’s ACT Victory. </p>
<p>It’s a really big book with tons of practice tests. Here’s a link to it on Amazon: [Amazon.com:</a> Cambridge ACT Victory (9781588940001): Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-ACT-Victory/dp/1588940004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322539263&sr=8-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-ACT-Victory/dp/1588940004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322539263&sr=8-1)</p>
<p>Usually, getting 34+ is based completely on luck.</p>
<p>All that you can really do is mentally emphasize being careful and making sure all of your answers are supported by the text.</p>
<p>Also, make sure that you pump yourself up for the test and go in feeling like a boss, and eat a snack during break.</p>
<p>I managed to get a 35, and was a question away from getting a 36, so I guess it worked for me.</p>
<p>See how well you do on the real thing. You might perform better or worse than your practice tests predict.</p>
<p>I got a 34, but I’m not “stuck at it.” A 35 or 36 is extremely difficult to get, no matter how much you prep. If you got a 34 on the real thing, you should be content. Practice tests, no matter how accurate, don’t equate exactly to the results you can expect from the real test.</p>