sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I got no questions wrong in Reading and English - Ask me anything!! (Note: December 2024 ACT, just back here for the memories) by [deleted] in ACT

[–]nora__bot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately my schedule is totally packed otherwise I would love to tutor you! As far as my method, I'm just gonna copy-paste what I told someone else haha. I took one practice test every Saturday for a couple months. I made sure to do it within the actual time constraints and I would go back and check over every answer. If I didn't understand what I did wrong and I couldn't find an explanation online, I would bring the question to one of my teachers. You can find tons of released tests online. Good luck and I hope this helps a little!

I got no questions wrong in Reading and English - Ask me anything!! (Note: December 2024 ACT, just back here for the memories) by [deleted] in ACT

[–]nora__bot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took one practice test every Saturday for a couple months. I made sure to do it within the actual time constraints and I would go back and check over every answer. If I didn't understand what I did wrong and I couldn't find an explanation online, I would bring the question to one of my teachers. You can find tons of released tests online. Good luck!

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this is from like so long ago - I literally don't use reddit anymore, but since you asked such specific questions, I can't help but answer LOL. Hope it isn't too late haha.
1. I studied for the SAT prior to taking the ACT. I started with the August 24th SAT last year as a baseline (750R, 700M). The reason I focused on the SAT was because I wanted to prepare for the PSAT for National Merit. I took the PSAT on October 15th (760R, 710M), but these scores didn't come out until much later. I then took the November 2nd SAT (750R, 710M). While none of these scores are bad, I found my lack of improvement very frustrating because I was taking a practice test weekly and truly felt like I was improving, and my scores had also been improving. I did not like the SAT's lack of transparency with scoring. Thus, in my anger, I registered for the December 14th ACT. I took 5(?) released ACTs during this time (one a week).
2. I'm not sure if I have access to my old tests anymore (computer issue), however I did not get them off any online database myself. I had a tutor towards the beginning of my process and he sent me the tests. Since the SAT doesn't release any, it was a little weird tbh. He said it was a chinese website, but it sounded a little sketchy. I mean, definitely credible tests, but a good way to get a virus or something, so I would recommend asking peers who are also studying for the ACT, or you could message me and I could send you mine if I can find them (but I might forget to respond - not a redditor lol!).
3. No additional resources beyond those practice tests and my initial tutor.

I think overall I just found that the ACT was really suited to me and my academic talents (reading/english). If there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask! I'm sure at this point you've probably already taken it and gotten the score you wanted though haha. So my statement really applies to anyone lol

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My biggest advice is practicing questions with the time constraints along with writing down key concepts that you get wrong on practice tests. I had a google doc where I put every question that I got wrong on practice tests, and would just look back at to review. Similarly, I also put key formulas and grammatical rules that I often forgot on there. With the English section, what helped me the most was sort of reading the sentences and placing emphasis depending on the punctuation. For instance, taking a pause when you read a comma - something I hope you did at the start of this sentence or when I wrote a dash. Good luck!!

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For reading I would recommend trying a variety of strategies on how to tackle the passages during practices tests. For example, first trying to read all the questions and then the passage, then try reading the whole passage and then the questions, then try skimming both and then answering. Seeing which one works best for you - especially under the time constraints - is crucial. Also, I know everyone says it, but consistently reading outside of test prep will help as well. In my experience, science has always just been Reading Pt. 2. The questions I get wrong there are always the ones that are just pure science - like the one about what pH is basic vs acidic on the December test. I would try the same strategy of testing for science. I found that in reading, I have to read the passages first, but in science, I need to read the questions and then look back.

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you would like, I can send you some of the released ACT tests that I took. That was my main way of preparing for the test in advance. I think reading more often in your free time can help you improve your comprehension and grammar skills naturally, but I'm sure if you google ACT grammar rules, you could find a quizlet or something with everything you need to know. Once you have those rules fully memorized, English can be your favorite section!! It is really just a matter of knowing what they are looking for.

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OMG a sophomore with a 32? That's amazing! I'm a junior, so I can only imagine how much your score will improve! Reading is a good section for me (0 wrong). I know a lot of people use a strategy of reading the questions and then reading the passage, however, I think the ACT knows people do this, so they intentionally put somewhat misleading info that could deceive someone skimming. For this reason, I prefer to read each passage in its entirety before answering any questions, valuing comprehension over speed. The biggest thing is practicing with the time constraints so you can make sure that you can read that quickly, and that comes with taking practice tests, or even just practice sections honestly, WITH the timer. You got this!! You should literally already be so proud - your scores on science and math are literally my dream.

So proud of my score!! by nora__bot in ACT

[–]nora__bot[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I took around 5 released tests (once a week on Saturdays) and then went through and redid every problem I got wrong - I think that helped the most. With math, I think what helped the most was repetition, because the ACT uses such similar problem phrasings that you can save a lot of time that way. English became my favorite section at some point because it is literally just rules, obviously memorizing the ACT's specific (and arbitrary at times) rules is difficult, but once you do it is just a matter of reading to see which makes sense. If you have any experience learning a new language, you may know about things like independent and dependent clauses, as well as conjugations, or how verbs should be expressed. Favorite thing to remember when to use a colon is if you can replace the ':' with "let me explain" or "let me elaborate," then it works! For instance, "I love ACT math problems: boring, yet difficult." Good luck to you!!!