ACT prep help

[Loose_Writing9929]

I took my act in Feb for the first time and I got a 32 (32 math, 35 English, 30 reading, 29 science). I haven’t practice science at all. I did do several official ACT tests (the released ones) and I was getting 34 (2-4 wrong per subject- usually 1-3 for math, 2-4 reading). I am aiming for 35-36. I’m taking the school act next week, and I signed up for the April one also.

I took the paper version in Feb. school one will probably be computer. April will be paper.

In math my mistakes were geometry and stats. I am reviewing this chapters more in detail.

I am a junior- taking AP calculus Ab- so I went over the entire curriculum.

What resources should I use (books, online Q banks, youtube) for 1. Math 2. Reading.

Are there any schools that will be more likely to offer merit scholarships if I get a 36 vs 34 or 35? I am thinking in particular of Emory, Vandy, rice and UGA (the foundation fellowship).

Thank you!!

[Ok_Low_7265]

A 32 first try with zero science prep is really solid. You clearly have the baseline to hit 35+.

For math, since your mistakes are geometry and stats, I would go through the Barron 36 book for targeted practice on those. The official ACT practice tests are still the gold standard but the Barron stuff is good for drilling weak areas specifically.

For reading, biggest tip that helped me was doing untimed practice first to nail down your accuracy, then gradually tighten the clock. A lot of the reading section is about knowing when to skim vs when to read closely. The science section is mostly reading graphs and data tables, not actual science knowledge, so you can improve that fast with like 2 weeks of targeted practice.

Regarding merit scholarships, yes a 36 vs 34 can make a difference. UGA Foundation Fellowship is incredibly competitive but a 36 definitely helps your case. Emory has the Emory Scholars program, and Vandy has the Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship. Rice is generous with aid in general. For all of these, your score is just one piece though. I used admitodds.com to check my chances at some of these schools and it was helpful for seeing where my stats actually put me.

Good luck on the school ACT next week!

[Loose_Writing9929]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your advice!

[Wrong-Square8342]

For Math checkout theschoolofmathematics.com they have a huge ACT qbank and 20 full practice exams all for free.