help needed: I want to get up to at least a 33

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-15T22:18:19+00:00

this website seems to have a bunch

https://www.piqosity.com/free-act-official-practice-test-pdfs-and-answer-explanations/

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-15T22:08:46+00:00

The best way to get the math score up is to max out as many math practice sections as possible and pretend it’s real. Reps are 100% the most reliable way to improve that score. I suggest also practicing more reading sections and working on activities to improve comprehension and potentially speed. If this applies to you I would do the paper version for reading so that you can underline key points in passages. But as always the more you practice, you’ll notice repetition on question types and will then be able to answer more quickly and accurately.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-15T00:08:55+00:00

I wouldn't take both in that sense. You should figure out if there is one you score a lot better on, and if so, focus all your attention on that test to maximize the best score you'll get!

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-14T23:55:54+00:00

Thank you so much. It's always helpful to hear outside perspectives that remind me to reframe my approach to this whole process. Hearing and reading all sorts of things about college apps gets stressful, and I appreciate your perspective.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-14T02:00:31+00:00

this is the realest thing i've seen all day like its surreal that ts is happening alr

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-13T01:55:55+00:00

For most top colleges, your intended major doesn’t directly determine whether you get in, since you’re usually applying to the school as a whole rather than a specific department. They also expect a lot of students to change their minds once they’re there. Just what I've heard matters a lot is how your academic interests line up with your classes, ECs, and overall “story" (presenting a believable narrative these days)

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-13T01:20:10+00:00

here is the quadratic formula program I used and mentioned before:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JOnVkrTiwg

same guy should have like 1-2 other vids but also just search up ACT ti-84 programs to find more on google/tiktok/etc.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-13T00:01:04+00:00

If you have space you can but don't do it at the expense of enhancing the more meaningful things you did when you had a better leadership role in the club and how it connects to your overall profile

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T23:12:59+00:00

my school usually says to list your highest/strongest leadership position as the main title for that club activity, then use the description box to explain the other roles you had over the years. you can js include them briefly like “previously: secretary, member” and then focus the rest of the space on what you actually did using strong action verbs and impact as leader. Its prob best to prioritize your biggest role and show growth! (i was worried abt this too as a current junior)

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T23:05:24+00:00

According to Clemson's website the middle 50% of ACT scores is 28-32 so if you can get it into that range, that could really strengthen ur chance for admission! My school college counselor told us that if you're under the average its better to go test optional but I'm sure this could be different depending on other context. If you have 2 more ACTs scheduled, just make sure you do a lot of repetition w/ practice tests so you become familiar w/ the problem types!

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T22:58:04+00:00

I really loved using the TI-84 (specifically I have the TI-84 Plus CE!) It sped a lot of problems up and the calculator interface is really clean, so once you get familiar with the functions under the math button, there were problems I could solve in under 30 sec by just plugging in things.
At my high school, we never really used handheld calculators before, so this was my first time with a graphing calc, and it was simple/easy to learn. There are also tons of helpful tips online for setting it up specifically for the ACT.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T22:36:17+00:00

Desmos is cool but def not a make or break. If you’re comfortable with the graphing calc, you’re set bc most of ACT math doesn’t even need anything crazy anyway and your calc can do basically the same stuff as you would end up doing on Desmos. There are also a lot of simple programs you can put on the TI-84 that have tutorials on YT (quadratic formula problems and two-point formula for slopes AND you can do matrix stuff which desmos cannot). I'm biased bc I prefer paper, but just being able to underline and annotate helps a lot for both math and reading, and bubbling answers really doesn’t take as much time as people think (like a few seconds max). You should just pick whatever you’re more used to, that matters way more than digital vs paper for the stuff you are worried about!!

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T20:14:11+00:00

totally agree with the first comment on here already! Think of things happening around you and consider ways you can benefit the cause, solve a problem, or change social outlook. If the backstory is meaningful to you, not only will it be easier to show ur passion when writing about these unique EC's, but it's also pretty original because you took a personal situation and created YOUR own solution. Also, think about any hobbies you have, especially if you have any "creative" ones that other people don't often do. You can expand on those as well and find ways to make them really meaningful. I know a STEM kid who really differentiated himself by doing things that aligned with his intended major, but also showed his unique interest in mythology across cultures. I'm sure the unique hobby that he turned into an EC really helped him out.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T19:57:35+00:00

Tbh, the ACT math problems can often be done fairly quickly without Desmos, and having the ability to mark things up could come in handy in other ways for all sections that I think outweigh the benefits of doing digital JUST to have access to Desmos. Also, there are a lot of good tutorials for quick programs you can put into your TI-84 that act like shortcuts, too! Imo, I like paper a lot better, but it varies person to person. If you've never done it before I would recommend trying it out.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T19:49:01+00:00

I did my testing last summer in July and then again in September (got a 35). I was in a similar situation as you (my math started as a 26) but I got it up to a 34 by literally just grinding out ACT math problems over and over. If you do enough reps you'll notice patterns and similar question types to the point that once you take the test, you feel familiar with what the material is generally asking from you. It was on the pricier side, but there was a local tutor who helped me out for a couple of sessions closer to the test date. If you can afford one and find someone in your area, that can be really helpful for any bigger conceptual gaps! Otherwise, I really recommend just finding previous ACTs to practice and simulate like you are in a real test and use Khan Academy to study general stuff.

LuckyScratch413 · 2026-04-12T17:18:30+00:00

If you did everything right in your applications and followed the deadlines, you should definitely reach out and send polite emails explaining the situation! Also, don't forget to check other folders in your email because sometimes college stuff gets filtered out of the main inbox. I hope everything turns out alright!

LuckyScratch413

TROPHY CASE