Top scorers, how long did you study?

<p>I'm talking 34+.
I only have about two and a half weeks. Enough time?</p>

<p>I signed up late and just started studying for the ACT. Two and half weeks is plenty of time. </p>

<p>This would be my first ACT, I’ve taken the SAT three times.</p>

<p>Good, good. I’m just pretty nervous. I’ve finished the red book and after a few days of more review I’ll begin the practice tests.
:D</p>

<p>My son got a 35 and he prepped for 3 weeks. This was his first (and only) time taking it. He used the Real ACT book. I know a lot of people on these boards say just to take as many practice tests as you can, and although I think that is important, IMHO I also think it is important to get your timing down for each section, read through all the tips and hints and make sure you know why you are getting things wrong. I think he only took 2 of the practice tests, but the whole first half of the book is dogeared, so I know he spent time on it. Or he is just messy :)</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice! I feel more confident now.</p>

<p>What scissors said ^ I took maybe 2-3 practice tests, but reading info and studying things I wasn’t sure about e.g. Grammar was what I believe helped me the most. I got a 35. Good luck!</p>

<p>Okay. I’ll focus on math then.</p>

<p>Thanks and congrats on a great score!</p>

<p>I studied for 2.5 weeks and got a 35; it was the first time I took the test. If you are pretty good at math, the math section shouldn’t be a problem. Go over the concepts and formulas. For the reading and science section work on timing cuz time will be ur worst enemy when u r working on these sections. tbh reading comprehension skill is not something u can improve significantly in 2 weeks. If u normally read a lot, u should be prepared to a certain degree. The english section on the other hand, is relatively easy to do well on if u practice.<br>
Do some diagnostic tests and see which area u r bad at. work on those areas
I used the Real Act Prep Guide and the Barron’s ACT book.</p>

<p>The reading shouldn’t be a problem. It’s one of my strongest points. I read pretty fast. I’ll definitely get started on those practice tests. </p>

<p>Barron’s has an ACT book?! I should order that, lol. Just for the practice tests.</p>

<p>And one thing I forgot! Again just my opinion, but don’t study the day before the test. Hang out with your friends, go for a run, whatever and go to bed at your regular time. Don’t waste all your prep by being an exhausted burned out zombie the day of. Good luck!</p>

<p>I took a test without studying, and after studying for 4 weeks I went up 6 points in composite. Definitely take a lot of practice tests- that helped so much more for me than just reading rules and such. Also, like others said before, don’t study 1-2 days before!! You’ll burn out. Good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks everyone! Such good advice. I feel better. :3</p>

<p>Studying isn’t necessarily required, the only prep I did was the sections teachers would occasionally have us do in class.</p>

<p>I kinda thought so. The only thing I’m doing is taking practice tests and memorizing the format of the questions. Nothing much to do beyond that…</p>