My overall score was a 30. 33 on English and Reading, 29 on math, but only a 24 on science. Has anyone had similar a experience, with one section much lower than the rest? This is especially odd to me because I excel at math and science at school. I’ve taken Conceptual Physics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and have gotten A’s in all of them (over 100% for the Physics courses). Also over 100% for all but one math course (96% in AP Statistics). Given these numbers, you’d expect me to do much better on the science section. And don’t tell me that my school has grade inflation; if it did, there’d be a lot more people with grades similar to mine. I prepared for the ACT for about two weeks. Should I just focus solely on science for my second and final attempt?
Ask for a hand score if they off er it. Maybe you got off line on an answer sheet?
@jym626
Haven’t considered that yet. I suppose that it’s a possibility.
Scroll back through past threads and you will find that many people find the science section the hardest. The curve is unforgiving and it doesn’t really test science content per se, but reading comprehension of scientific texts, graphs, tables, etc. Some concentrated practice in this area will probably help.
My daughter said the science section had everything to do with how quickly one can interpret graphs and data. She found a website that said not to bother reading the text of the questions, reading the questions first, and just looking at the data. She then took a bunch of practice tests and worked on the timing/pacing. She raised her score from a 29 to a 32.
Agree with momofsenior1 and mamaedefamilia the science section is not really about science. It is about comprehension and your ability to read, extrapolate and interpret. The fact that you have good grades in science is not a great indicator of success. Science was the highest scored section (very high 20’s range) for both of my kids who both are B students in science and math. Working on timing/pacing will be helpful. I would also spend some time reviewing your math section too, as a small pop there will help your overall score too.
@labegg
So my suspicions were true: the science section is not a test of how well you know science. It’s a test of how quickly you can read charts and understand scientific texts. Well that is among the most stupid ideas behind a standardized test I’ve ever heard of. How quickly I can think is not an indicator of how well I can think or of my potential in science. Infuriating, to say the least.
Lol, well I won’t disagree with the notion that standardized testing as is implemented today is stupid! I have found an odd correlation with STEMy kids doing “poor” on the ACT science section. (In that they are often dissatisfied with their score given their affinity/ability with science). Non STEMy kids often do very well with the science section. Back in the day it was also my highest scored section. So while the science section may not measure science ability, it is measuring something that is tangible, not exactly sure what it is, but it appears to be something that non STEMy kids seem to posses too that they are not able to demonstrate as adequately in the other sections.
Good luck!
@labegg
Thank you! I must say, being a STEM-hopeful myself, I was quite discouraged by the science score. It’s reassuring to know that I am not the only one.
Being able to read and analyze scientific texts and graphs s important in science courses in college. It’s absolutely essential for upper level undergrad science courses. Best way to prepare is to practice that section from past exams. Scientific journal articles have lots of charts etc but are too advanced to read as preparation. I do think it’s one of the more challenging aspects of the ACT. My kid did better on the SAT, partly because the science score brought down his ACT composite.
Two weeks of prepping for ACT is certainly not enough time to become familiar with the exam. When my son takes the exam untimed he is able to get near perfect scores, but timed would bring him down by a significant number. He did have a perfect score on his SAT’s. I have heard many time if you are given enough time for the ACT most people would do well. In a way you’ve proven that as well. Being someone who is very good in science and math, to not have done so well on the ACT. I’m sure you most likely will do very well if you prepped a lot longer than 2 weeks and gone over numerous timed practice exams.
@momprof9904
Yes, it is essential to understand scientific graphs and charts. It is not, however, essential or even necessary to do so quickly. There is nothing wrong with taking your time – something the ACT makes impossible.
@starwars1
I suppose that’s reasonable. I’ve just been really depressed lately after my SAT and ACT scores came out (1390 on SAT), so I think you’ll understand when I say that I am less than positive about improvement.
Prepping for two weeks is definitely not sufficient.
My son did not prep for ACT or SAT and only took each once. He only scored a 1350 on SAT and a 30 ACT because he bombed the science section just like you. With better prep, you can easily up your score. He was admitted to every school to which he applied with the exception of UCLA. Some schools concentrate more on high GPA (UC’s), while others like USC really want high test scores. Do some online prep and give it another go in September.
@CopperlineX2
I will try. September shall be my second and final attempt. Should I fail to increase my score, there shall be little hope of college for me, I’m afraid.
You said it perfectly to be honest. I’m not really sure why that’s the content they’re testing on but then again i can’t really change it.
Why do you say that if your scores don’t go up there’s little hope for college? Just keep trying until you get where you want to be. Taking those practice tests will definitely help
@the1footballer
If I improve, then yes, there’s hope.
If not, then no. I come from a really low-income family, so I can only afford to apply to colleges that meet full need. These are more often than not elite colleges. Should I not get into one of these colleges, then there won’t be any college for me at all.
With regard to the ACT science score, sometimes it has to do with what you have been exposed to. My D2 found the science section very easy because she has spent the past two years reading and analyzing published journal articles for her science research project. Learning to understand scientific studies required the same skills as the science section on the ACT. However, she definitely felt it was an acquired skill. Her experience prepared her. Without that experience she would not have done as well, but she still would have been every bit as intelligent. I doubt she could have picked it up with 2 weeks preparation.