Massive Drop in ACT Science Score

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>So I did something really stupid the last time I took the ACT. I read in the Barrons ACT book that doing the science sections out of order from shortest passages to longest passages increases one’s speed. So I tried doing that on test (without practicing beforehand -_-) and it backfired on me big time. </p>

<p>This was the result.</p>

<p>First time taking the ACT: 31 C, 35 E, 30 M, 31 R, 27 S, Essay:10
Second time taking the ACT: 29 C, 36 E, 28 M, 32 R, 21 S :(, Essay: Not known yet.</p>

<p>How bad does a six point drop in science look? I did better on the SAT, but I still feel like I have to send my ACT scores as well since my school puts it on our transcripts anyway. :(</p>

2

<p>Congrats on the English score! I missed the stupid “like me” question because of nerves. Nerves is probably the biggest psychological factor on the science section. New strategies have always tanked me in the past, so I just stick with trudging through from first to last. (I only read the questions if it isn’t comparing viewpoints.) After completing PR 1,296, science seemed OK to me (35) because PR has some crappy science passages that aren’t necessarily fair, so I was kind of trained for difficult questions. (Unless it is about fossilized beaks or feathers… then I miss it :frowning: .) </p>

<p>Hopefully your school super scores! Some very prestigious schools super score. Our guidance counselors are useless, forcing us to add our school code so that the scores go on our transcript. We have hoodwinked them by signing up as OTHER-Homeschool this test date :slight_smile: . If this is your last time taking it, then don’t sweat it because you’ve got bigger fish to fry. If you have more chances, you can chalk it up to one bad test. Admissions officers understand that not everyone has a flawless testing record–it is really not all about the score. I’m sure that you are a wonderful person, and they will see that.</p>

3

<p>I think the science section is by far the most volatile of all the sections. I don’t think it’s uncommon to see bigger swings with science due to timing.</p>