I am an upcoming Junior. I took the ACT for the first time this past December (as a Sophomore) and received a 27. I did not practice tests, no review, and, as mentioned, this was my first attempt. I have purchased two ACT prep books w/ strategies, practice tests, test taking tips, etc. After working through these tests over the summer I will take the ACT in Oct, Dec, Feb, and April. If needed I can continue to take the ACT depending on my score. What can I reasonably expect to have going into college apps? I am also open to any advice! Thanks in advance!
If you were a current senior or junior, it would be easier to give you a better answer because at that point all the test prep in the world isn’t going to increase your scores more than 3 or 4 points. However, since the only score you have is from your sophomore year, it is hard to say how much your scores will go up. Every (or at least almost every) student develops quite a bit in all around aptitude from sophomore to senior year. Considering that you could, in theory, be taking the ACT an entire two years after your first attempt, there is no way to know without really knowing you. You could end up being a 36 kid or a 32, but there is definitely going to meaningful improvement from the 27 even without ACT prep.
By next year, you should improve a few points in each subject, especially math if you haven’t taken precalculus/trigonometry yet.