Why the vast disparity in subject score? Damn Science!

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>Just got my daughter’s score. 34 R, 32 M, 30E, and a 22 in S. She maybe studied 10 hours total and took no prep class but still, what can explain this disparity?</p>

2

<p>Well, the science section of the ACT has a reputation of being difficult. When I took the ACT for the first time, my science score was considerably lower than my other subscores, and therefore brought my composite down. After doing some studying over the summer and taking a one month prep class, I managed to bring my science score up by 7 points and my composite by 4. Clearly, your daughter is very strong in all other areas, and I’m sure that if she spends several months studying and practicing test taking strategies, she’ll be able to bring her science score up.</p>

3

<p>The science section is difficult because of the time limit and also because it is at the end of the ACT, when kids are tired out from the rest of the test. Additionally, this September’s ACT Science was harder than ANY of the science practice tests in the Official ACT Practice book. It was quite unexpected and quite a few students did far worse on the science section than on others. For more info check this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1389066-official-september-2012-act-science-section-discussion.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/act-preparation/1389066-official-september-2012-act-science-section-discussion.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Future science tests will probably be easier than the one that was taken in September. Have her study a bit and retake. I don’t think she will need several months. Just have her take all 5 practice tests in the red book. If she needs more practice, Barron’s 36 is a great supplement. It helped me to use a watch with a timer on it during practice tests so that I could pace myself and make sure I had time to complete the whole test. Also tell her NOT to read the background info for science unless necessary - just find the answers in the charts/graphs when possible!</p>

<p>(FWIW, I got 36, 36, 36, and a 31 on science. Ahhh).</p>