<p>I scored a 31 on an untimed ACT practice test out of the real ACT book. My question is, should I expect my score to drop taking the test in one sitting and under timed conditions, and is it possible to train myself to keep my untimed score?</p>
<p>According to this book, a 31 on this particular test was 97th percentile, which is much higher than my SAT percentile ranking.. Is that normal for that to happen?</p>
<p>I am not sure about the percentile question, but my daughter has been taking untimed reading sections of the ACT test as part of her homework for her AP Language and Composition class. The last one that she did for her class, she scored a 34. For the practice tests that she has been taking, her highest score has been a 29, with the score usually being around a 27. I do believe that the timing is very important on this test, and most, not all, will probably score lower on a timed test than they would on an untimed test. It just depends on the individual. I would just keep practicing as much as you can between now and when you take the real test.</p>
<p>Just wanted to add that when my daughter takes her practice tests, they are timed. She takes them either here at home, or at the high school as part of her ACT prep class. So for her at least, an untimed test vs. a timed test has made a difference in her score, w/a timed test having a lower score than an untimed test.</p>
<p>Hmm, that’s a bit discouraging, but I think certain sections (reading and science) will be harder to master under a limited time constraint than others.</p>
<p>Yes, time does effect your score. I would expect it to drop. You make more mistakes when your under pressure than you would if you weren’t timed. My scores are the same way. I KNOW i could score higher if I wasen’t timed and, under so much pressure.</p>
<p>I would generalize that for every 4 minutes you get extra you would raise your score by 1 point.</p>
<p>Honestly, it’s a huge difference. If you practice you can get faster, but otherwise my biggest problem isn’t not knowing the answer, but having to rush.</p>
<p>Sorry Enifrica, I don’t mean to be discouraging; it just is what it is, you know? I do think w/a lot of practice, you can learn to get better on the timing just because it helps you get used to the format and pacing of the test. Please don’t get too discouraged. Just put the time in and practice and much as you can. Hopefully you can see some meaningful results this way. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>"According to this book, a 31 on this particular test was 97th percentile, which is much higher than my SAT percentile ranking. Is that normal for that to happen? "</p>
<p>I scored a 34 on the actual ACT exam, which apparently roughly translates to at least a 2200 on the SAT. My SAT score was a 1980 or so, but you have to keep in mind that I took the SAT quite a few months before taking the ACT (and thus I had more time to study for it as well as more experience).</p>
<p>Regarding timed vs. untimed: there is generally a significant difference in scores in this regard, though daily practice will of course allow you to close the gap. I highly recommend that you discontinue taking un-timed practice tests, as they are IMO meaingless after you’ve taken them two or three times. Just make sure to go over the problems that you weren’t able to solve.</p>