<p>Will the October ACT make the deadline for Early Decision? You guys, I’m so depressed at my score–well mainly science. Ugh, you guys–I really need to pick up my ACT scores a couple points to get above a 32. I really need to hear about some methods of prep, and advice. Also, when should I start prepping for the October ACT. I mean, I also want to take the World History SAT II and maybe retake Biology. Please guys, any advice would be awesome.</p>
<p>Yes, it will</p>
<p>Heh, I’m at a 31…98%! But I too am trying to get a 33+ on this next exam! :)</p>
<p>The December ACT would be in time for Regular Decision, right?</p>
<p>MattCarmona, I hear you on the 33+…I got a 32 on the June test, and am slowly talking myself out of taking it again just for a point or two…I’ll be going to a state school, so it doesn’t really matter for me, I was just trying to ensure a free ride (saving up for a good grad school hopefully)…Good luck man!</p>
<p>bumping once. Has anyone actually underwent any drastic ACT improvements?</p>
<p>Thanks, peck191! If I can nail that, I will feel a lot better about my application. :)</p>
<p>Ivy: My composite increased 5 points (27-32), but it was spread out over a couple tries…</p>
<p>Matt: where are you applying?</p>
<p>EA to Harvard, so that’s why I’m in a time crunch. 
(And a number crunch for that matter…)</p>
<p>I had 32 on April, and I signed up for June before I had my results back, so I figured I’d give it another shot.</p>
<p>I ended up with 33, pretty happy with this, but the longer I see that I went down from 36 to 33 in math (definitely my best subject), the more I think I can hit 34.</p>
<p>If I could only boost my reading into the 30s…I took the ACT twice this year, (top scores: Eng 35, Math 36, Sci 36) I’d be set for sure.</p>
<p>My score went from 23 to 32.</p>
<p>Going for a 34 in october!!!</p>
<p>That’s very impressive…</p>
<p>Im sticking with my 33 since new SAT equiv = 2200+.</p>
<p>ivyleagueorbust…</p>
<p>i am totally on the same boat as you are…you feel so helpless sometimes. i took two acts in april, scored a 29, then a 30. i was so mad…i knew i could do better (32+). i studied like three act books and retook in june…scored a depressing 31. the thing that really makes me mad is that i showed improvement in all areas except science:</p>
<p>english 32, 34, 35
math 31, 33, 34
reading 27, 28, 30
science 26, 25, 25 <strong><em>AAAAAAHHHHH!!!</em></strong>*</p>
<p>The thing that scares me is that i am a high school researcher…i should be able to look at data and interpret the results and stuff. i really do think it is the time constraints and the fact that after three hours of testing you just lose your concentration. but whatever it is, i have decided to put the ACT to rest…i am going to take the SAT this fall, since it doesn’t have any science. and then, no matter what my score is, i am saying goodbye to both of those tests b/c personally, i don’t think they are worth spending hours studying for. i would much rather study bio or chem or spanish or something like that. plus, i think colleges will understand if your test scores are not so hot. we are not all geniuses, you know.</p>
<p>Getting a 31, for me atleast, is like scoring a 1290, 1390, or 1490. You are so close to that 99 percentile, yet so far. I hope to improve to at LEAST a 32 next time just because that 31 drives me crazy.</p>
<p>Yeah, but a 31 is just as potent though. Most competitive schools (disregarding HYPS) would accept anything over a 30. Oh, and fruita–what did you use to practice?</p>
<p>yeah i just saw i can take the ACT sooner than october…theres a september date…the sooner the better right? Not early decison though.</p>
<p>Wait, you guys–how long before the actual exam do you all start to prepare?</p>
<p>Im bumping Ivy’s question because I am in the same boat. I have never really studied, so I don’t know where to begin and how much time to allow</p>
<p>The best time to study would be…Now! </p>
<p>Allow enough time to compare various books - although “The Real ACT Prep Guide” is a must. </p>
<p>If you find that you are expecially weak in one of the sections, I suggest you buy the Barrons book as it provides comprhensive reviews in all areas of the test - plus an additional three practice tests to help reinforce what you have learned. Depending on how much work you need (which will be determined by your previous ACT/Plan/Diagnostic scores) studying can range from a few weeks to a several months.</p>