So as the title suggests, I plan on studying for the ACT during a span of 2 weeks. Has anyone studied for a short amount of time for the ACT and has gotten a good score? I am taking the ACT in April but because AP exams are in May I have to balance my studying for the ACT and the AP exams.
As for the books, I recently bought “The Real ACT Prep Guide,” and already own the Barron’s – “Pass Key to the ACT.”
Conveniently, I have spring break a week before the test so do you guys think I will be able to score well on my first try?
You should probably plan to take one or both tests twice, so this would apparently be your first attempt. You can go back and prepare more before a second attempt. You can use this first test to determine your weaknesses and guide that further study.
For a first attempt, two weeks (although I don’t really understand the time limit, since its 3 months away) is enough time to get basic familiarity with the test structure. As far as the content, you have been studying for this test for 10 or 11 years - the ACT is testing core content in math/science/english. The test is ideally intended to not require any “studying” at all.
Thank You for you feedback. The reason I really have about 2-2 1/2 weeks is because as soon as the march sat is over (which i am studying now) I have to study for the AP physics exam for about 2 weeks and then I will start to study for the ACT over the break. Even though this seems disorganized I will need to study for AP physics because after the ACT i will only have 2 weeks to study!! LOL it basically means that I will be studying nonstop…
If you’re prepared for the SAT, you should be fine for the ACT. When I took the ACT, I had never seen an ACT question before opening my test book that day. I ended up doing better relative to my SAT.
The main thing to study is probably familiarity with the test- how questions are worded, timing/pacing, stuff like that; rather than specific content (since you are already studying content for the SAT).
Perhaps the best strategy is to plan to take 1 timed practice test every other week, and go over the questions from the previous practice test every other week between now and the test.
Study for this sort of thing is probably better done in multiple short visits over an extended time, rather than “cramming” in a condensed time.
I think right now (3 months before test) you should spare 3 hours and take a ACT practice test, score it and mark your weak area’s. Then give some details on this forum on your practice test results and what area’s you missed the most on and everyone will have a better idea if 2 weeks is enough or you need 1 week or 3 weeks. I seriously suggest, making that 3 hour investment right now so you can plan accordingly.
You can also study both simultaneously. Midterms in college will be just like that.
Also, the SAT and ACT have a lot of overlap, which is how I scored 32 with no prep. Granted, there is a science section (although it seems like there isn’t much to “study”), and the math section contains some trig and other topics not on the SAT. Taking a practice ACT is probably the best idea.
Take a couple of practice tests and familiarize yourself with the test structure. You need to be used to the speed of the ACT so pace yourself when you’re taking practice tests.
I am so sorry for replying late… But thanks for all who gave me good advice for this test. I am actually going to take a practice test soon so then i’ll just study after i get a starting level
