<p>I can get a 31 on ACT Math practice tests, but I always miss 0 problems other than the last few, which I feel really “separate the men from the boys,” so to speak. I love Math, and I have always shown a general aptitude in it, however the last problems always stump me. Which concepts should I go over, prior to taking the test, to be able to get in the 34-36 range on Math? Everyone expects me to get a 36 no problem on the Math section, but it’s proving to be harder than I expected.</p>
<p>Can you do those problems if you have plenty of time to think about them unrushed, or do you find them difficult no matter what the environment? The thing is ACT is a time management test more than anything else. You really have to practice your pacing and working quickly through the easier problems so that you have enough time to think about the somewhat harder problems when you get to them. Is it a particular type of problem that gets you, like 3D geometry, where you could target your study efforts at a couple of topics?</p>
<p>Very generally, I can tell you that students typically have trouble with problems involving geometric properties (circles, arcs, 3D figures, surface area of complicated shapes, etc), counting/probability rules (use venn diagrams or trees, depending on the problem), trig graphs, and logic problems.</p>
<p>However, the main reason the last few questions pose a problem is they typically require more reasoning ability. Find every “difficult” rated SAT/ACT math question you can find, and try to solve them/remember how they were solved. SAT II math subject tests also have similarly difficult questions (the I goes to the same level as ACT, II goes to pre-calc). </p>
<p>Test prep centers often work to improve math scores by eliminating the surprise factor, and the only real way to address this is through repetition. That is, if you have seen a compound average problem before, you won’t have a hard time solving it the second time you see it.</p>
<p>Look at the answer explanations, do you understand them? Is it something you learned in class? If so, it’ll be much easier to understand rather than you never having taken pre-calc or such.</p>