I took the ACT in June with no prep whatsoever, and got a composite score of 29-English 33, Reading 31, Science 26, Math 25. If I study/prep a little for the September test (on my own, I can’t afford a class) what are my chances of getting a higher composite score? I would really like at least a 30 or 31, but is it likely?
If you really want to get a higher composite and have the dedication - you can do it. Start taking ACT practice tests.
Yes, @Obviouspoetry you can move that score with prep before the September test. I would focus on the Science and Math, because that will help you for schools that super score the ACT.
Definitely buy some ACT books: The Real ACT book has the actual ACT questions that the ACT used in their past exams. And I would highly recommend studying for the math and science sections.
@HereToHelpYou @rohank10 Thank you guys! I just bought a few books with practice tests and tips and one specifically focusing on math and science
I just started my SAT classes and things are not going on well for me.Personally I don’t know how to go about my studies.Please I need your help.
@gh1997 What I would do is just not bother with SAT classes. It’s not effective because the teacher has to help maybe a dozen other students; it’s just ineffective. What I would do is either self study or a program called Green SAT Prep. It’s amazing! I use it. The books you need for the program are the Blue SAT Book (Official College Board SAT book), Barron’s SAT 27th Edition book, and McGraw Hill 12 practice tests book. For self studying, I would do this.
First, take a practice test from the blue book and grade it. Once you know your baseline score, look at the questions you got wrong. For CR, just ask, why is the answer I got wrong, and why is the actual answer NOT wrong? For math, make flashcards from the questions you got wrong, with the question on the front and the answers on the back. For writing, same thing as math, make flashcards with the question on the front, and answer on the back. Onto studying.
Critical reading, if you have weak voacb, make flashcards with mnemonics and cartoons on the back. No need for the definition. If you look at a word such as discrepancy, make a mnemonic that makes sense to you and draw a cartoon on the back (no need to be an artist, just draw the best you can) As for passages, its all about reading quickly and efficiently as possible, comprehension, and practice. Practice with passages untimed on any SAT book (besides the Blue Book) until you reach a 700; the Blue Books are only for timed practice tests.
For math, use any SAT book besides the Blue Book for math. Make flashcards from the questions you got wrong, and understand your mistakes. If you don’t know a math concept/rule, make a separate flashcard with the concept on the front, and a question on the back that relates to the concept. For example, sequences. Jot down the concept on the front, and put a question about sequences on the back (what I do is have the question on the top and the answer/explanation on the bottom).
For writing, its similar to math. Practice from any SAT book (besides the blue book) and flashcard questions that you got wrong. And flashcard any grammar rules you don’t know and put the question that relates to it on the back.
It’s all about practice AND review. You can easily get a high score just from the practice tests you take. If you want more, you can find some on Google and you’ll be able to raise your score by hundreds of points all from just practicing.
Oh, and also, do your practice tests weekly. Review is important, so review as much as possible each week. But other than that, that’s all I have to say. Good Luck!
Trust in yourself and build a plan that you will work hard in. This bit of advice can’t fail (if achieved).
Thanks guys…@rohank10 the books I have include: The Princeton Review and Gruber’s Guide…are they good?because u were mentioning books I have not heard of.
@gh1997 Yes, those books can work. But the Official SAT College Board Study Guide (Blue Book) is a must