<p>Ok so I know these giant threads never work, but lets try this one out haha.
IM aiming for a 30+ so i think this could be useful.
I have heard the following tips over and over again.</p>
<p>English- Read the sentence aloud.
Math-memorize
Reading-Skip through the passage
Science-Dont look at the graphs.</p>
<p>This seems to be the tips that are reiterated through every thread.</p>
<p>So now I ask you guys, what are some unusual tips that you find work really well for you but aren't really emphasized on these boards?</p>
<p>English- you can read the sentence, but look for the errors and in what context the word is being used. If there is no question on the last paragrah dont even bother reading it, or any other paragraph w/o a question for that matter.
Math- Do the problems?
Reading- skim questions, read passage, answer questions?
Science- cant help you there.</p>
<p>For science i'd say the opposite. ONLY read the graphs, the writing will just confuse you. Refer to the passage if you at the end on questions you can't figure out.</p>
<p>In fact, all those tips seem like the opposite of what you should do. Those are the worst tips ever, thank god you made this thread, you would have failed!</p>
<p>And for english: Assume that the sentence is correct until you can prove it otherwise (innocent until proven guilty). Don't try to say its wrong because it doesn't "sound right".</p>
<p>My strategy:
English: read everything; be especially meticulous around the underlined portions
Math: do everything. be a pimp daddy
Reading: be an active reader. Read everything.
Science: pray to God, b/c that section's the bane of my existence. (my highest score is 30)</p>
<p>English- Read the sentence aloud in your head. (hope you know what I mean) Read it as it is written, and see if you feel awkward saying it. Also, just use English common sense.</p>
<p>Math- You can't do much during the test. Just be sure you know your trig.</p>
<p>Reading- I read the passage while underlining "key points." Actually, I end up underlining random words, but it works and keeps me focused. Then answer the questions, and go back to the passage quickly if you need to. (I got my highest score, a 34, in this section.)</p>
<p>Science- Hmm, I actually read the whole thing, glance at the graphs, and answer the questions. I also finish on time. While your reading though, don't care too much about understanding everything, because you most likely don't need that piece of information anyway.</p>
<p>If the english doesn't sound right, it probably isn't right. The ACT is very straight forward, not really tricky. Your first instinct is probably right.</p>
<p>Yea I took it in October and got a 29 Composite.
29,29,34,24
Stupid Science.
So in regard to Science, this thread has helped me out a little.
Heres what I mean.
Usually what I have been informed to do on the Science section is skip the readings and just look ath the graphs and questions.
But now im wondering about this stragedy.
I find it very difficult to merely skim a section without having a slight comprehension of the material.
That being said, would anyone suggest spending a little time comprehending the readings first then moving on to the graphs?
I personally am starting to feel like this will enable me to do the questions uc faster</p>
<p>MARK UP the reading and science sections. Underline things that are important, star things you think might be questioned, etc. </p>
<p>For the science, I really would suggest just BRIEFLY looking at the questions beforehand (no more than one minute.) Then go back and read the passage/graphs.</p>
<p>i actually read the passages very quickly rather than skimming over them and moving onto graphs. it helps me understand the graphs faster and also saves a bit of time on the questions (and rules out any misunderstandings), and I've found that if I hurry like no other, I can fit in that reading time - but barely. I think it depends on how quickly you can read and comprehend, but if you are doing science w/o reading passages and find that you have 2 or 3 extra minutes left over, you should definitely read IMO.</p>
<p>im kinda out of practice tests.. im taking my last ACT in December 8th... can anyone tell me what books still have good practice tests besides...barrons, real sat study guide?</p>
<p>does McGraw Hill work for science and reading? if so, please let me know of any others..</p>
<p>For the reading test, I am a firm believer in reading the entire passage before looking at the questions. This method, although not for everybody, has allowed me to score in 30s twice (32, 33). The keys to succeeding with this strategy are to read fast and not let one question take more than 10 seconds. If you aren't sure about a question, try your best to make an educated guess, but DO NOT go back to the passage unless you somehow manage to finish the test early, since you will likely not finish the entire test if you foolishly let one measly question hold you hostage. </p>
<p>As much as I like this method, it’s not without its cons: If you unfortunately get sidetracked because the passage doesn’t grab your attention, or because it’s difficult, then you will likely... This has happened to me during a few practice tests, but luckily never during the real thing.</p>
<p>Also, since caffeine is a stimulant that has been proven to help concentration, I would take one pill (200mg) before the test, and one during the break. I suggest pills because energy drinks have a tendency to make one have to pee really badly. This advice is assuming one doesn’t have access to Adderall (sorry, but it's the truth, however unsetteling it may be), an amphetamine pill used to tread ADHD.</p>
<p>'This method, although not for everybody, has allowed me to score in 30s twice (32, 33'</p>
<p>That's interesting. I've gotten a 33 and a 31 in the Reading, and I've NEVER read through all of the passages...I read the first paragraph, then I read the first sentence of every preceding paragraph. The last ACT practice test I took I got a 31 on it, and I read through the majority of the passages only by skimming and underlining key phrases, names, places, ect.</p>