<p>I spaced it out over the course of 8 months so I didn’t vigorously study for the ACT until maybe the 2 or 3 months leading up to June. Maybe an hour a night (not strictly every night, maybe 3-5 days of the week). A month before the test I started studying more though, weekends I would spend much of the morning studying and reviewing things, weekdays I’d just make sure I found time to study ACT stuff on top of school. I would even bring my prep books to school and study them in classes that I wasn’t doing anything in. Lots of weird looks, lol.</p>
<p>To everyone that’s asked for the book I mention -
It’s called “Gifted Hands”, an autobiography by Dr. Ben Carson.
To me, this book changed me because I was able to almost completely identify with the situation of the novel. I saw myself through his eyes. Maybe it also really affected me because I’m planning on taking a path towards Med school in college, so I could really relate to Carson. Fantastic book. </p>
<p>One word of ‘caution’ - Carson in the novel mentions his faith (Christianity), so if you’re not into that kind of thing then be cautious. However, I don’t particularly consider myself religious and I still loved the book, so don’t think it’ll ruin the book if you disagree with his views. </p>
<p>And don’t watch the movie, it sucks compared to the book imho. I recommend everyone read it!</p>
<p>I got a 27 on my first try, but I studied a lot for the test. Upon taking some practice sections when I started prepping last summer, I was getting 30-40% of my answers right. I didn’t study much for math because I thought my Algebra II class would prepare me but I learned some trigonometry days before the test and I reviewed it well enough leading up to the test. I am an average student and I would have scored less than 20 if I had done minimal studying. </p>
<p>English-My grammar was always off no matter how hard I tried so I dedicated a lot of time during the summer to improve my grammar skills but it still isn’t perfect. </p>
<p>Reading-I was getting about 20-30% of the questions right so I started reading a lot and I tried many strategies to improve it but I am currently reading a book that helps you analyze passages and articles for better comprehension to hopefully bring it up near 30 (from a 22). </p>
<p>Science-It was harder than the practice but some questions still trick me.</p>
<p>I have spent well over a 100 hours studying for this test and my score has improved a lot. I have spent a lot of time reading to improve my reading comprehension and english grammar skills and I experienced barely any improvement. All of you high scorers who did minimal studying out there should be extremely happy of your scores. I’m going to dedicate this summer to improving my ACT score again and I feel that I can hit a 30 or just above it. I tried very hard since sophomore year of high school to be the best student possible, but I am stating this to inform you CCers out there to not take your intelligence for granted. However, with hard work, everyone can make a big jump in there score, whether if you went from the high 10s like I did to a high 20 or from a high 20 to the mid 30s, be proud of your scores.</p>
<p>I got very similar scores to your first ACT, however mine were from a full length practice test I took. </p>
<p>Composite - 29
English - 33
Math - 25
Reading - 32
Science - 24</p>
<p>I will be taking the ACT for the first time in September and am really aiming for a 31+. It’s reassuring to know that you were able to significantly raise your math and science scores since those are the two I am struggling in also. I took the SAT in May and got a 1740 (retaking it in Oct), so I also have some studying and test prep to do for that.</p>
<p>Thanks for this. Trying to raise my 31 to a 33 or 34. If it wasn’t for that damn 23 on reading…</p>
<p>I hope some of you big studiers out there realize that, to a certain extent, you can’t study your way up to a 36. Some people just don’t have the mental ability to score above a 32 or a 35 or whatever, no matter how many books you buy. Sorry to be harsh but I just want some people to realize that there is no magic solution. Obviously you can jump your score a few points and you may have heard someone that has jumped theirs like 8, but just be realistic and think about maybe not being able to have the huge jump from just studying.</p>
<p>@gjstewart14
I agree, I went from the high 10s in practice to a 27 on the actual thing. I still have potential to improve but a mid 30 and up is impossible for me. However, it seems that most CCers are above average student that can successfully scores in the 30s with moderate preparation.</p>
<p>I assume most of the posters, like my son, took standardized tests all the way back to elementary through freshman and even sophomore year of high school. If so, they are a great predictors of the score you should get with minimal studying.</p>
<p>S took ACT it in early spring and got a 31 and told me he did not have time to answer all the questions! He took an ACT prep class the high school offered and took the ACT again in April and got a 34 although one section his scored actually dropped from a 36 to a 35.</p>
<p>Since it had been 100 years since I took the ACT I actually looked at sample questions and it appeared to me, at least for math and science, the key is to try to study what you don’t know. Duh, obvious, but the sample tests hopefully make it very clear. You have to study the hardest parts of geometry and Alg II, memorize how to solve the questions, memorize the formulas, etc. Don’t just take the tests but carefully review the questions you guessed at and got correct and the ones you got wrong. Why did you get them wrong or have no idea on it? If you do this for as many sample exams as possible you should do great.</p>
<p>Im so discouraged. On the first ACT i studied for a week before( nothing much) and got only a 22. Yea. Pitiful. After studying for more than the past month at least three times a week I can’t get above a 26 English, 24 Reading, 22 Math, and 24 Science. I don’t know what to do. Its really discouraging to try so hard and get nothing 
It’s not like I use cheap study material either. I have the real ACT red book, 2 of Princeton Review’s books, and Barron 36. I’m not sure whats wrong. I’d be elated to take the September 21 ACT and get a 28 although with a continuous studying a 25 or 26 will most likely be the case…:(</p>
<p>I’ve never taken a Bio or Chem class…the last time I did either was in integrated science in Grade 9…but I do take IB physics now and have been since Grade 10 (High school physics in grade 10 though…). Is this going to be a problem? How much of the science section is based on bio and chem…?</p>
<p>How do i do better on the science? NOTHING WORKS!!! I have been studying like a maniac</p>
<p>Hey levlevlev11, as a junior I’m currently facing the issue you just talked about, im #1 in my class, 4.100 GPA yet I only managed a 27 on the ACT, and although I think I’m capable of maybe a 30 I retake, I definitely want a higher score. I really want some specific advice and you sound very helpful, do you think I could possibly get your email for more advice?? It would really help, thanks</p>
<p>Lev what was the book that you read that changed your perspective on school?</p>