<p>So, I took the April ACT and got a 28 (E 30 M 25 R 29 S 28), and then again in June and got a 30 (E 33 M 29 R 32 S 25)
with almost no actual studying in between, just one or two practice tests. I'll be retaking for the final time in October, with the goal of a 32. I just finished up my junior year, and only had two classes at my high school (Honors English and APUSH), and spent the rest of my day at a vocational program. I haven't done any math since June of last year, and the only math I'll be taking my senior year is AP Statistics. I should mention that math isn't exactly my strong point - I had a 73 for the year in Algebra 1, got a 68 on my Geometry regents, and had an 80-something in Algebra 2/Trig.
The only prep books I currently have for the ACT are the 1st edition of The Real ACT (used for $4 on Amazon), and a 2008 copy of Cracking the ACT ($2 from local thrift store). Quite frankly, I hate the idea of spending money on prep books, and I hate using them even more.</p>
<p>My question to CC is: How feasible is it to go up to a 32 without relying a prep book (except the practice tests in the red book)? If I were to stop using the prep books, what other way would you recommend I study? I imagine simply practicing more in Reading and Science should be enough to go up, and I could review enough grammar rules online to improve in English a little bit, but Math is my true problem. </p>
<p>I also plan on doing some traveling during the summer, and I will definitely study still even when I'm away, but I'm not able to pack a bunch of books with me.</p>