I took the ACT 11 days ago and just received the scores. (I took it with writing so full scores will be here soon)
Not exactly the scores I expected since I studied for two months and scored quite well on the practice tests…
Official Practice Tests (one week before actual test)
English: 25
Math: 22 (I struggle with math)
Reading: 27
Science: 23
Composite: 24
What I received…
English: 24
Math: 17
Reading: 21
Science: 19
Writing: TBA
Composite: 20
Is there any study plans to help me bump this score up by 2-5 points???
I don’t want to leave my score at a lousy 20.
:(( :((
What did you do to study/prepare? Are you paying to get your test back so you can see where you were struggling. I think you can raise your score by 5 points if you prepare properly. I’ve been offering free ACT prep sessions at the library. I haven’t heard from only two of the students who participated so far. One raised her score from a 21 to a 26 and another raised hers from a 30 to a 34. Proper practice can make a difference.
Many libraries and schools offer Learning Express Library which offers free ACT test tutorials and practice tests, though the practice tests are not from “real ACTs.” Most also have ACT prep books you can check out that have various practice tests. The Princeton Review book offers good tips. The Real ACT Prep book offers several copies of real tests given in previous years.
If you scroll down near the bottom of this page http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/act-kaplan-online-prep-live.html , there are links to free recorded introductory sessions by Kaplan in each subject. On this page, https://act.magoosh.com/lessons, you can access many free videos by Magoosh. Then, use the tips you learn from various sources to take some timed practice tests and work on your pacing.
I think you will improve.
@SDMom2019 Our librarian suggested the Learning Express. What has been your experience? Is it worthwhile?
The tutorials are good for reviewing, especially the English. My son brought his English up to a 35 after using it… The math tutorial is pretty good for review, but I did notice some mistakes. The one I remember right now was in the descriptions of translation, reflection, and rotation. It was pretty obvious. I think the tutorials on Learning Express are a good place to start, but I’d throw in some practice on real ACT practicing tests from former tests.
Learning Express is free and offers three modes to take practice tests in: Learning, Practice, and Simulator (I think). It scores your test at the end, and lets you see what areas you need to work on. I’d give it a try. That’s all that my son used to prepare. He raised his score from a 25 to a 30 overall. You’ve got nothing to lose by trying it, except some of your time. I’d definitely do it, even reviewing the section on punctuation will help a lot in English.
In Science, you’ll want to focus on pacing and what order you do the passages in. Save the conflicting viewpoints or battling scientist passage for last. It takes the longest. On the science passages with lots of tables and figures, go straight to the questions and focus on the labels of the tables and axes of the graphs. You’ll save some time this way.
I used Magoosh’s 2 week free trial, Barron’s ACT 36 books, and the official ACT book.
Will ask about Learning Express but that means driving to and from a lot.
I don’t have much money to be using Kaplan or Magoosh, so if there’s any free prep sites, I’d love to know.
Learning Express library is something you use from your home computer or tablet. You don’t have to be at the library. You just use your library card to gain access.