Why can't I improve my ACT score?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

This past summer, I spent 1-2 hours every day and completed more than 20+ practice tests for my September ACT exam. My score for that exam was a 25. I was devastated at my performance. All I could think about for the next month was how I did so bad. It had been a long-term goal of mine since High School to get into a good college (GPA 3.86), and now it was ruined.

(I know there are going to be some people on here that claim a 25 is a pretty good score, but for how much work I did, I didn’t think so)

I did everything to prepare: I used real previous practice tests, an online prep program ($800 for 1 and a half months), checked my answers and went in-depth about why I got them wrong, and timed myself the exact time for every test. On my practice tests, I was scoring between 29-30 each time.

Eventually, I decided it was just a bad day and I started studying again 2 weeks before the next test. I completed around 3 practice tests this time before the test. I took the test today for the second time, and it was an abomination. I’m 100% sure I did worse this time. It was so difficult, and I started to feel fatigue during science and reading.

Words can’t even explain how disappointed in myself I am. I feel like all I do is study, and I’m not even improving. What makes it worse is that I literally am not affiliated with any person who has a lower score than me, even people who don’t try in school. I know it’s bad to compare yourself with people, because everyone is different, but it’s really hard for me to get passed this. You hear things like “never give up, keep trying and you will succeed!” and “failure is a part of life, don’t let it ruin your spirit,” but after my situation, it’s hard to believe this applies to the ACT.

I’ve already talked with a few friends and my parents on my situation. I’ve come to the conclusion that after a certain point, your score starts to plateau and there’s not much you can do to improve. Test taking skills really come in handy in this test, and test taking is something I’ve never been good at (even though I practiced them a lot). The ACT has made realize that everyone has limits, and sometimes even if you work as hard as you possibly can, if it’s not meant to be then it’s just not meant to be. I know most people can’t relate to my story, but does anyone want comment?

2

Was this morning the second try? Where did you get the practice tests? the real test? Have you tried SAT? What were your subscores in the September test?

3

also keep in mind there are people who are just bad at taking standardized test. Hence there are test optional colleges? Which state are you in?

4

Do you time yourself strictly when you answer the sections? Or do you casually go through them? Of course the practice tests.

5

If you’re a Junior, you do realize it’s barely November. You have a few more shots to improve: Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Sept, Oct, Dec.

If you’re a Senior, you waited too long to take your first ACT (Sept). But consider taking Dec. You will probably improve. You can submit Dec scores for regular decision.

6

If you are scoring 29-30 with real ACT practice tests keep focused and sign up for subsequent tests. Clearly you have shown that you can do it - get up to bat another time if you are a senior. If you are a junior you have several more attempts to attain what you did in practice. Good luck.

7

Keep in mind that usually the score you get at home is lower than the score you get on the actual test because of test stress and crap. That’s not the case for everyone, but maybe it’s true for you.

8

Strictly timed every test

9

maybe act just is not a good fit for you. have you considered the sat?

10

I would ask all of the above questions… but also, scores for October come out starting tonight! (1 am eastern, midnight central). Maybe it’s not so bad after all? Definitely look into the SAT, but if the ACT is better for you and you can afford it, try a tutor. I haven’t used one but I know people who have and they say that it really helps. I studied similarly to you, and also tested in October (first time, but I’m feeling good). The most helpful thing was keeping a notebook full of all of my missed questions will explanations/reasons why I missed them, and any concepts that I wasn’t feeling 100% on. I also made flashcards for the math formulas I felt I needed based on the stuff in the notebook.

I really hope that you did a lot better than you think you did! best of luck preparing in the future (if you need to)

11

You predicted it!!! I got a 28 and I’m the happiest person in the world run.

12

@QuestionsMate congrats!!! I’m glad it all worked out!