<p>A few months ago, my guidance counselor told me I can retake the ACT for free this September. Is this true? Btw, I’m in Illinois, so it may be a state thing. I can never rely on my GC because she’s an idiot.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have a recommended preparation plan? I’ve spent a lot of money buying books, and I feel they didn’t help. I got a 22 the first time, then a 21 on June’s test. I’m just feeling very discouraged because I need a 29. Maybe I’m not studying right or something…? I’m a smart person, and I know I’m definitely capable of getting a 29 - I just have a feeling I may be doing something wrong. </p>
<p>Let’s see…I got The Real ACT Prep, Dissecting the ACT, Princeton Review, and Kaplan’s ACT (which I stopped reading a while ago). To tell you the truth though, a week before June’s ACT, I kind of crash coursed in all the books. I think that may be the problem. Now, I can prepare this summer…I just don’t know when to start because I don’t want to forget all the info. by the time September 12 hits.</p>
<p>PS: Tutoring is not a viable option for me, unfortunately. I don’t have the money.</p>
<p>To be honest, I have focused much of my junior year on preparing for the SAT, which I pretty much failed. I have a decent score, just not enough for a decent college. </p>
<p>I did fairly well on my June ACT, a 28 composite. I was using The Real ACT Prep for the week prior to the test, and I completed two entire tests. I just purchased the Barron’s ACT, which seems really helpful for me. Try studying well in advance, aka the entire summer, and not the two days prior to the exam.</p>
<p>I cant give you any tips on which book to use seeing as I dont study for these tests.</p>
<p>But a suggestion would be to take the practice tests in each one of these books. If your getting 32+ on the practice tests, then you know you are getting better. If your scores are remaining low, you need to take a new approach.</p>
<p>I would look for a book that maps out every single topic you need to know on the ACT. Create a checklist with each topic, and gradually go through them. Give yourself refresher quizzes throughout the summer and youll be fine in September.</p>
<p>Good luck. I am pulling for you (i cant say that about many on here)</p>
<p>im from IL too and i haven’t heard anything about a september free ACT or any kind of state testing. we got our free one in April with the PSAE exams.</p>