ACT basically destroyed my confidence.

sweatypi
Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:27:24 +0000

I’m in a similar boat. Rising senior, terrible GPA. I’m personally aiming for the 30’s, but in June I got a 25. 26, 22, 26, 27, 7. I have barrons 36 and mcgraw hills 10 practice tests. I took the first practice test in mcgraw and pulled a 30, 27, 29, 29 with no study (after I took the official test). I think my biggest problem was my anxiety during the actual test. I didn’t have any breakfast, I hardly slept the night before, etc. When I took the practice test I had a large breakfast, a decent amount of sleep, and I was more relaxed and confident in my answers. That alone seems to be a big contributing factor for me. However, I’m still AWFUL at math (Ive been a terrible student and have paid little attention throughout the years), and my reading and English scores could use some improvement too. What I’m doing now is going through all the questions on the first practice test I took, making notes of what I’m good and bad at, and then I’ll go looking for some online practice in certain areas of the math section. As for the english and reading, i usually just make dumb mistakes. So I’m going to just practice those as much as possible. As for the science, well… that just seems hit or miss at this point.

So don’t freak out just yet. I was really down in the dumps when i first saw my scores as well… Although I wasn’t expecting anything great. But with my GPA (Under 2.5) I kind of NEED a 30+ score (I’m probably going to go to apply to a school with auto admission of 25 comp and 25 math) I don’t think I’ll be 100% happy unless I get a 34, to be honest.

21 isn’t outstanding by any means, but it is average. Just focus on the areas you’re worst in and practice, practice, practice. Things will click easier if you think outside of the box as well. Start reading more in your spare time if you don’t already. Spend time doing misc math problems, or find some worksheets on things you aren’t too familiar/quick with. Don’t rely entirely on your ACT study materials. Keep taking practice tests, and try to simulate the test taking environment as much as possible. TIME YOURSELF. Just keep practicing and working/thinking outside of the box, and hopefully your scores will sky rocket next time you take it. I sure hope mine will.

Best of luck