<p>So since i am a junior i am planning to take the ACT in the Spring (Feb. or April). My goal is a 32 or higher and no less than a 30. When should i start studying to reach this goal. Also, what review books are good besides "The Real ACT Book", Princeton Review, Barron's, Kaplan, Peterson's etc. What do you think?</p>
<p>Do a full test to see how you do and then decide how much/when to start studying.</p>
<p>Get it from the Real ACT book OR one of the sample booklets the ACT gives out every year.</p>
<p>You might find that you are naturally strong in some sections, and others need work. Try and wrap up standardized testing this year so you can make your application + essays AMAZING next year and spend your summer delving deeper into your interests and extracurriculars.</p>
<p>Trust me, it will make all the difference :)</p>
<p>You really can’t determine that until you take a practice test. Some people need a lot of time to study, some can get up on test day, never having cracked a prep book, and get a 36. </p>
<p>I entirely agree with PureVision that it’s very important that the first practice test you take be an official ACT test. I think they actually have one online that you can download, as well.</p>
<p>Then, once you’ve done that, come back and I’m sure there are plenty of people here who would be willing to help you devise a plan to improve :)</p>
<p>ONe thing though is that u need to keep in mind that if you take a practice test from a practice book that is not real ur score might not be very accurate. For example if you get a 36 on McGraw’s practice test it is equivalent to about a 25 on a real test. If you get about a 32 on Princeton’s test it is equivalent to about 26-27 on a real test. So you’re best way of measuring ur knowledge is to get a real practice test from the college career center or your counselor’s office and take the test with perfect timing.</p>
<p>I don’t think the standard deviation for PR or MH is 5+ points more like 2-3 but you should definitely start at least a month ahead no matter how good you do the first time around just to get the timing of each section down. That is what’s most important than practicing the information is getting used to procession of the exam you don’t want to find yourself stressed on the real thing and then having to guess your last 7 questions or so.</p>
<p>What do you guys know about the Barrons book for ACT prep. Is it any good?</p>
<p>start studying NOW (:</p>