curiosity4321

Please anyone who has scores like a 33+ tell me what you have used to study!

rescuememylove

I got a 34 on the October test. I think the most useful thing for me was the ACT red book, mainly because of the practice tests. Those are the best way to increase your score. After you take the tests, carefully go over every error and figure out why you made it and whether you understand why the correct answer was correct. Don't waste too much time focusing on your best subjects but don't ignore them either.

Right now I'm using the Barron's ACT 36 to boost my score those last two points. It's pretty helpful too, but you need to get the basics down first.

rw2013

I highly recommend "The Real ACT Prep Guide" which is the red book. It's the only book published by the makers of the ACT. I got a 32 the first time I took it in April, then I used the book and boosted it to a 33 for June's test. I did practice tests throughout the summer in the book and I received a 35 on October's test. I noticed that, especially with the math, the practice tests in the red book are extremely similar to the real ACT. Same basic problems, just different numbers. The best way i found to study was just run problems again and again, but make sure you time yourself for the practice tests. The hardest part of the ACT is the timing! Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

PicktownPenguin

@rw2013 how much did the book you used cost?

UserStudent

do the red book have answers and explanations to every question?

Preply

Guys. Visit amazon.com, there you can see different ACT books and user reviews of those books. It's a really helpful way to see what works for students.

The red book currently costs $35 retail, you can get it for around $20-something on Amazon.

After each test there are answer descriptions, though I will not vouch for the quality.

rw2013

The red book was I think between $30-40, but I feel that it was worth every penny. The red book has answers and in-depth explanations for every single question, which is fantastic. Whenever I did the math practice tests (that was my weakest subject), I went through their explanation for every problem that I got wrong or was unsure of and made sure I understood it. I started out getting like 27s on the math practice tests, so I practiced a lot. I ultimately got a 34 on the math, so I will definitely say the quality of the explanations is great.

Outis95

I agree with other posters, the RED book is definitely helpful. It gives you an idea of how difficult the test will be, since that book includes "real" ACT tests from previous years. However, I also found the Barron's Act Prep Guide extremely helpful. Although the practice tests in that book may be harder than the actual test, it thoroughly reviews all the concepts that will be tested on the exam.

Using those two books only i managed to get 35 on my first exam.

fastemper

What about "cracking the ACT" does anybody know if this is helpful??

meerkat6

Definitely use the red book! All my friends that scored in the high 30s used that book.