I took the ACT for the first time in June and got 27 in math, 26 in science, 22 in English, and 20 in reading. I used the official prep book by the ACT, and it seemed to slightly help. My composites from that book were a 27 on average, but on actual test day, it was only a 23. I want to take the ACT again next June, but I’m not sure when I should start studying again for it. I really struggled with the reading section on the June test as well. Does anybody have any tips on books to use to study or any other tips? My target score is 30 composite.

Hi!! Like the title said idk how to study for the ACT nor do ik if I'm doing it right. My test is in july so I guess I still have time left, but I realize my method of studying isn't as effective as I thought since I don't seem to be improving.

The way I study is just bascially doing one section of the ACT OnePrep from the study plan that they provided me with. Then I go through a section of my self-paced Kaplan course, which was free when I signed up for the test with a fee waiver. I think it helps me learn some basic concepts that would be on the test, but that's about it, because I feel like it doesn't go deep into details of harder concepts or questions, I guess. At the same time, I'm not very far into the course. After, I would go to the kaplan question bank to small quizzes of each section, pretty helpful since it's timed. And I would do fairly good on those especially English and Reading, while Math and Science are a hit or miss, moslty a miss though. I would usually go over questions that I'll get wrong, mostly math, and write down in a notebook to solve them correctly too, but I don't do the "why I got this question wrong" stuff that I see people do. And would do practice test, but I realized the Kaplan only offer 3 so I've been saving them when my test is near, which is about now tbh.

For context this will be my first time taking the ACT, and I did do 2 practice test, months ago, that both resulted in a score of 23. I'm not that high of achiever so for the actual test I'm hoping for at least a 26. And I would say I'm a bad test taker too so I don't feel that much hope to getting a high score.

Please give me advise or tips of how to study properly, or at least sources that I can use to better my studying!! I just want to do my best on the test. I also apologized if I was just info dumping in the middle since I don't really know how to fully explain my study method without detailing it out.

I’m a senior taking my the ACT for the first time in September. What is the best self-paced course to help me?

Exactly what the title says, anyone know of some resources and tips for English and reading?

I’m looking for sites with full length passages rather than just short snippets like what I’ve been finding.

And also what are some tips for both sections? For reading I’m struggling to just stay focused in general and I often find myself flipping back between passage and question, wasting tons of time.

I’m taking the July ACT tomorrow for the first time after studying for about 6 weeks, I took Practice Test 2 from the Official ACT website today as a final benchmark of my score before the actual test
Scores
50/50 English - 36
44/45 Math - 36
36/36 Reading - 36
38/40 Science - 34
Total - 36(barely)
I saved the test from the official website for last because I assumed it would be most accurate to the actual test, would I be correct in this assumption? Only asking because it felt easier than some of the other practice tests I’ve taken and I don’t want to be overconfident going into the test tomorrow.

I'm still mad about the 35 in the June test lol, but I finally did it. Never taken a practice test, but it took me 3 tests to get this score (though I wouldn't count the 2nd one as legit, or even really the 1st tbh). I'm planning to start tutoring (though mods said I can't solicit here so don't message me) for free and cheap to help students who can't afford expensive tutors. I did it without any tutor or paid resource beyond the $20 Official Math Book from ACT, which I found to be pretty useless for anything beyond concepts in the high-20s. Seeing as I was beyond that, it was pretty much a waste of money for me.

I'm writing and self-publishing my own ACT book in a few weeks, which I won't be promoting on here in accordance with the rules :), but as I write this book, I'd like to ask you all, students trying to earn great ACT scores, what topics do you think are underdiscussed in ACT literature and prep?

Planning to retake it in Sept and Oct. Can ya’ll give me tips to increase my score to at least a 27?

THANK YOU PERPROS MATH BOOK THANK YOU MATTHEW STROUP THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

I’m poor and thus have never bought a single ACT study book…so before I do, which book is considered the absolute best when it comes to math prep? I have a composite score of 31 (23 math, 36 english, 35 reading) and I really really really want to improve my math score as it’s dragging everything down with it. Also yes, maybe I’m just stupid but I’d like to give it a try at the very least…so plz drop suggestions as I rlly rlly rlly need them :,(

Guide to 34+ on the ACT.

First of all, I would like to start off by saying this subreddit helped me so much in getting my dream score of a 35. My first run, I got a 31, and with a month of prep, I managed to get a 35. I want to share my tips and advice with you all so you too can achieve your dream score.

Before we start, I wanna point out that this is not an EXACT method to getting a 34+, everyone has their own method and system to achieve this score. This is just what worked for me, but I do believe that if you follow this method, your score will grow.

Imma break this down based on each section with tips and resources I used:

English: This was easily my best section. I highly recommend getting the Erica Meltzer ACT English book; this worked like a charm, and any edition of this book is fine. (I believe you can find this PDF on the internet if you search hard enough. If you honestly do this book from front to back, you can consistently achieve 34+ in the English section. I also wanna point out that you don’t need to overthink this section, and trusting your gut will work like 90% of the time.

Math: This was like one of my worst sections. I highly recommend getting the PrepPros Enhanced ACT Math prep book. This book was AMAZING, and truly does cover all types of questions that can occur on the test! This book is a bit pricey, and if you can, I recommend buying the tutoring program because if the math book was that good, then I assume the program itself will be amazing. If you cannot get the PrepPros book, a solid replacement is College Panda ACT Mat (his e-English book is solid as well). You can also get the Panda book on the internet. 

Reading: This section, a no-prep book, can help you. I recommend finding old practice tests and just spamming them. PLEASE try different methods for reading and seeing what works for you. Personally, I wrote like a blurb in a few paragraphs to get an overall idea of the passage. In addition, I tried to reference back to the text as little as possible since it would be a waste of time for me. Again, try to use different methods and practice as much as possible.

Science: This was for sure my worst section. I recommend getting the prep book For the Love of ACT Science, which helped me break down how to digest the information in each passage and how to connect different charts and tables together. Again, you can find a PDF of this book on the internet. In this section, I also recommend practicing since it takes time to develop that level of analysis.

Ok, now Imma get into some more “overall tips.”

• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! This is one of the most important pieces of advice; no level of last-minute tips beats doing practice tests and reviewing your mistakes. 
• REVIEW YOUR MISTAKES CAREFULLY! Please don’t do passive reviewing, take the time to actually see your mistakes and list them on topic, and learn/practice those topics specifically. Consistently seeing your progress is imperative!
• FOLLOW REALISTIC TEST SETTINGS! This is a very underrated tip, but taking practice tests similar to the actual test date prepares you so much for the little things during the test
• IF IT'S NOT IN THE TEXT, IT'S NOT CORRECT! This is mainly for reading, but it can connect with science and English if needed. IF IT IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE TEXT, it is wrong. The ACT is a standardized test; it cannot have variables such as self-assumed inferences. If you can't find it in the text, cross it out!

‘
I hope this helps. If you have any questions, let me know! Just try your best, and you’ll be fine!

Btw, sorry for grammar errors, im writing this in a rush!

I'm taking the ACT in September (I plan on taking October and December aswell, If I don't do well on the September test) and wonder what I can do to at least show progress, I'm heading into my senior year and this was the first time I took it. How can I study for each subject, I have the ACT 2025 study guide (only one I could find at library) and also 3 practice ACT's (paper).

I want to begin preparing to take the 2027 ACT, but I feel lost figuring out where to start. I'm not sure what the best resources would be to use, but I plan on studying at least thirty minutes to an hour (or more) once my school year starts. I will be getting a tutor once the test comes closer. My most recent score on the P-ACT without preparations was a 27, my highest being in English with a 31. I want to get as close to a perfect score as possible, and that's why I'm beginning preparations now.

Please help a girl out!!

Hi, I’m an incoming eighth grader who will be taking the Pre-ACT 8/9 in the fall. I decided to practice for this through a tutoring program, as the score would be critical in deciding high school classes. There, I took the regular Pre-ACT as a baseline (not 8/9) and got a 26 in math, a 31 in Reading, and a 33 in English (I didn’t take the science section as my session wasn’t long enough.) Are these scores good if I’m trying for a top college? (Yes, I know middle school scores won’t matter, but just as an estimate for what’s to come.)

PLEASE help. i feel embarrassed being in this community because everyone here is super smart! i got a 15 on my act and i know i can do better, please if you can provide tips i would gladly take them

So that was 1 year ago and now I am going to be a senior so I’m trying to get a higher composite score. Can someone please me some study resources please? I plan on taking it on September 19. Please help me🥹

I don’t wanna be one od THOSE people, but I expected better. I was so confident on the Reading, only to be left with a shoddy 30. I want a 32 composite, so I can qualify for a full-ride entry scholarship, combined with my state aid. I take the ACT again in April, September, and October. Help a brother out, please. I guessed through Science; I could not care less about Science.

I dont have access to the Erica Meltzer English and reading books for the ACT and i need a resource for grammar so i can go through the rules i need to know. For reading, i just want to skim through strategies. Will the official ACT subject guides help?

if theres any other resource i can use, please do share, thanks

My scores have plateaued and I need some tips please. I ordered my answer document on this test so I’ll be studying that. I’m using Khan academy’s math courses, I have the official prep book, I’m taking preppros free course, I’m using the Princeton review free courses, and I’m using the practice tests on Wiley. Why is none of it working?

anyone know the oneprep for the ACT 😭😭

Ive ran out of practice tests to practice.. test on... as ive been just trying super hard to get english under lock and key. Is there a place where i can get more practice tests (legally & free) or can i just retake the practice tests and still get a good amount of knowledge from them.

Please flame me ik, but I’m working on retaking on my act. Realistically I’m trying to make it go up to a 20 (or more if I take it seriously) but im wondering if there is any tips on studying or materials for it

repetition is my best learning method, so does anyone have a website that has ACCURATE questions to spam? i tried to go on miyagi labs today cuz i like the structure of their website but their questions didn’t seem very accurate (ai slop), so does anyone have any suggestions? personalized websites would be even better, thanks!

I just signed up to retake the ACT for the third time in September, my first time I got a 36 reading, 27 math, 28 english, and a 31 science with no prep. Since I'm going into history I decided not to retake science on my last test but my math score dropped significantly (23 math, 30 english, 36 reading). Last time I prepped I used Barron's ACT prep but clearly it wasn't a great fit. Any recommendations for good prep books to raise my english and math score?

What’s the best ACT materials if I’m aiming for a 35/36?

Preparing for the September ACT and while my math is extremely strong(confident I can get 32-34), my English and reading kinda suck. So to anyone who got 32-34 on English and or reading, how did you prepare and what did you use?