<p>Ok, so my mom made me take the ACT a year early (at the end of my sophomore year, not my junior) and I didn’t study or take classes or anything. We just wanted to see what I would get without any preparation so we would have an idea of what I’ll get when I take it seriously as a junior. We just got the results back and I got a 31. I don’t remember all of my specific scores, but I got a 28 in science, a 32 in math, and reading and English were both in the 30-32 range. So I have 2 questions:
I know a 31 is a fairly decent score, but I’m a straight A student so does or 31 reflect that, or is it too low?
My goal when I take it again (whenever that may be) is to get a 34. I’ve heard people generally improve the 2nd time they take it and I plan on actually studying, reading ACT books, taking an ACT class, etc. but is 34 unrealistic?
Thanks,
-Maddie-</p>
<p>Aim for the highest score that you can possibly achieve (a 36). It’s always better to aim high, and possibly fall short of that grade than to aim ‘realistically’ and fall even lower than that.</p>
<p>A 31 is a very excellent score for a sophomore who didn’t study. I got a 30 in the same situation, so be glad you beat me. :-I</p>
<p>1) A 31 certainly reflects your straight A’s. (97th Percentile?) It really is a great score for your first time.
2) A 34 is only a 3 point increase, so yes it is realistic if you put the time and effort into it.</p>
<p>I think that with the combination of what you learn in school junior year and what you learn from doing some ACT practice tests, I think you can make a 34 by the end of junior year or fall of senior year. Allow yourself time to give it a few more tries; it is hard to predict what will yield a 33 and what will yield a 34. You’re a great student. Good luck!</p>