orange41

OK, ED deadline is Nov. 15, so I have two more shots at the ACT (Sept/Oct)
I got exactly a 25 last time, but 28 superscored (not like superscore matters though).
My biggest problem lies in the science (where I got a 25, and 21! uggh) and math (26).

I did only a few act tests last time to practice before getting my 25, but here is my crazy plan that I hope I can do all of:

1) Use barrons for math/english/science, then...
2) Then the 7 march2success.com peterson online act tests
3) Do the PR tests/review answers rop
4) Then same for Kaplan and finally the 3 tests in the red book
& the 1 test on the act.org website
(all timed)

Do you think all this practice can help me get a 30 or do you recommend a different plan of study?

Thanks everyone!

killersdeat0

I think that should do it....but remeber to review all of the basic math concepts..... that should raise your score a lot. Good luck

tmi

SCIENCE TIP: Read the questions first and then find the answers in the passages. The passages themselves can be very hard to follow, especially with the time constraint of the test. The only passage you should read first are the contrasting viewpoints (e.g. one scientist claims this, another claimns this). Make sure to try this method with the practice tests to see if it works for you!! BTW did you order a copy of the test you took from ACT to see exactly what you did right or wrong?

orange41

bump

any other advice? thanks everyone!

visionquest09

Definitely look over all your pre-algebra and gemoetry (got 18 out of 18 on trig but missed total of 4 on pre algebra and gemoetry uhhh)

science also dont let the symbols they use on the graphs confuse you. i make it fun and be like they want to know what the symbol that looks like fish will be at so and so ha ha and all the big words that are scientific i just use the first letter of the word because you dont have to know about what they are talking just be able to get the info they want from the graph.
While my ideas may sound weird it worked for me (35 on science but wouldnt consider my self a science person)

stepherzzz

I raised my score from a 27 to a 31 and I think it was 90% due to preparation. English and Math were the easiest to raise for me. I raised my English from a 31 to a 35, and my Math from a 23 (ouch) to a 28 (though it was a 27 on my highest composite.) All I did was review. I took practice tests from Princeton Review and a couple of other books. I ALWAYS used real time. Timing is one of the most important factors in determining your score.

Honestly, your plan does look good. I reviewed the content of the Princeton Review book, however, and found it extremely helpful. I would recommend reading the entire thing. I looked through the book yesterday and realized that I made notes in most pages (especially math) in order to really absorb the material. Focus specifically on your weaknesses. The Princeton Review does a great job of explaining concepts and introducing helpful strategies.

For Reading and Science, I just recommend doing a ton of the practice tests over and over again in real time. There's almost nothing you can do to review specific material. With Science, I do recommend figuring out which types of passages you find easiest and attacking those first before moving on to others (like the fighting scientists.)

Another thing to really think about is that you CAN raise your score. If you go into your preparation thinking that it's unrealistic to expect such a dramatic increase, you may hinder your improvement. Your score on the ACT most likely will respond to hard work and preparation. Another thing, I felt as though English was really easy to raise. Identifying your weaknesses during practice tests helps so much because those same concepts almost invariably come up on the ACT. So even if you're pulling a 30+ in English, I would recommend reviewing that if you're below a 34+. Points are points, and some people might neglect the idea of reviewing for English since many consider it one of the easier sections.

Anyway, I hope that helps.