Hey guys I just recently took the ACT and i’m kinda upset with my score (32) and i’m trying to improve it before September but I would like what specifically I should focus on. My scores for each subsection was 32 - Math, 29 - Science, 33 - Reading and 35 - English.
First off, a 32 is FANTASTIC. It’s the 97th percentile. So don’t beat yourself up.
You can get an improved score in many ways:
- You can study - either on a book you buy or Khan Academy on line Pick an area and study for that day - and do for a few days. And then the next, etc.
Science is reading based - and you’re good at that. You can also work on math - what did you miss? Again study - by a book, find tests online, get Khan Academy on line. So that you can narrow in on where you struggle.
So you are 1 point away from a 33 at schools that superscore. One section goes up a point - and there you go.
-
You can not study - just take it cold. You never know, on a given day, how the test is. My kid went from a 31 to a 24 in one section, just because that specific test was harder. His friends also did worse on that test.
-
You can take a class or hire a tutor. Some need that one on one or structured help.
For some that works. For others, it doesn’t.
But get a hold of a practice test to see where you struggle.
But don’t fret - a 32 is incredible and at some schools will bring you significant merit aid.
Best of luck.
First, I would suggest that you reflect on where you are applying and review the Common Data Sets (cds) for those schools and the scores of those that have enrolled there. The CDS will provide a lot of breakdown as to percentage of enrollees that submitted a score and a breakdown of those scores. Also note that the reported scores have risen since COVID and test optional policies became prevalent. My point is that a 32 is an excellent score and, with the exception of just a few schools, you probably do not have much to gain from an admissions perspective in trying to improve your score.
That said, I would focus almost exclusively in the science section. I say this for several reasons. First, you’ve little to gain from working on English (1 point). You can gain a bit from reading but that is largely baked in at this point. Math you could pick up a point or three with a little effort. But science is the key. There are a few tricks that can quickly raise your score if deployed. And, as it is largely a reading based test and your reading score demonstrates that you are a capable reader, you could realistically gain 4-5 points on that section alone.
Many who have a relatively low science score compared to their other scores typically ran out of time. The tricks referred to above relate mostly to time management.
Take a few practice tests under time constraints and review science section time management skills.
Good luck.
I agree with the other posters that a 32 is great but you have an opportunity to get the science score up with little effort. My daughter found that reading the possible answers first and then skimming the question was really helpful. She did lots of practice questions to get her speed up.
1 Like
Hey there!
I echo with the previous posts – check the cds for your schools of interest. Also, 32 is a really good score, especially the Reading and English section! So congrats!
Here’s the other thing with the science section. The science curve has always been tough, but the curve of this exam was especially brutal. I’m guessing maybe you made about 4 mistakes, and you’re already looking at a 29, which is rough. This means:
- maybe when you take it next time, the curve loosens a bit, and you’ll improve on that section without much work!
- to be safe, you’d want to aim for as close to perfect scores in practice as possible
Remember to take advantage of superscore 
1 Like
Focus on Science and superscore to 33 or possibly 34. I have no idea how much it helps as ACT recently announced science is optional from next year.
It seems obvious you should focus on your math score. I honestly wouldn’t worry about doing more prep for the others. Edit, I read that incorrectly. Focus on Science. Look at the questions first. Don’t read except for skimming as needed.
32 is a great score. Not something to be upset about.
1 Like
Science is the easiest section to improve. Just do a lot of science sections from old ACTs, and correct them, and learn all the ways in which they present the data.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.