Tons of practice tests. If you have a reasonably talented math/reading student, this is an inexpensive, worthwhile, alternative to pricey "test prep" tutoring. Be sure to take the tests just as you would the real test. Use the real timing of sections and between sections, and test in a location (like the library) that best resembles the test location. Score it, and make sure your student corrects his or her errors.
We spaced these out over about 2 years, and my daughter steadily improved from a 24 composite at the end of 9th grade to a 30 composite by 11th grade. She took her official ACT for the first time in February 2018 and scored a 31 composite (32 math, 33 English sections, 26 science which was up from 19 the first time she took it).
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From the Publisher
You Got This: A Breakdown Of The ACT Scores
So, You've Decided to Take the ACT Test - Great Choice!
The ACT is the leading US college admissions test, giving college admission departments a deeper look into your capabilities as a student and how prepared you are for college. In fact, some say your ACT scores hold greater value than your GPA in college admissions, so it's important to know how scores are measured, what to aim for, and how colleges and universities view your results.
First, Breathe
The ACT could very well be your ticket into the school of your dreams (no pressure!). You probably already have a good idea of what you're going to be tested on, but with so much riding on one test, it doesn't hurt to take a moment to review what's on the ACT.
Quick ACT Refresher:
- Math: Preparing for Higher Math, Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, Integrating Essential Skills, and Modeling
- English: Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetoric
- Reading: Comprehension
- Science: Questions surrounding scientific charts, graphs, and research
- Writing: Essay (optional and does not contribute to your composite score)
It Doesn't Hurt to Guess:
- Read the question more than once.
- Eliminate the most outlandish choices.
- Analyze your remaining options.
- Select the best two options and then choose one.
Keep in Mind:
Although your scores will reflect your own strengths and areas of needed improvement, here are a few general things to keep in mind:
- A composite score of 21 is average.
- A composite score of 16 or below is considered low.
- Scores are solely based on the number of correct answers, so even if you don't know an answer, you should take a chance and guess.
The ACT is scored comprehensively, which means that each section is tallied individually and then averaged to create your composite score. Scores are intended to show your academic development and achievement, which means they are unique to each student.
Your Composite Score
Each section is graded on a scale of 1 to 36. This means your number of correct answers converts to a score that ranges from 1 to 36 for each of the four tests (English, math, reading, and science). Your composite score is the average of the scores on these sections. Remember, the writing section does not contribute to your composite score.
If you decide to take the writing test, your essay will be scored on a scale of 1 to 6 by two expert readers in each of the following four writing domains:
- Ideas and analysis.
- Development and support.
- Organization.
- Language use and conventions.
Readers will assess how well you applied these four domains, which represent the essential skills and abilities you need to meet the writing demands of college. To break it down a bit more, the writing test is intended to see how well you can:
- State ideas and introduce other perspectives.
- Develop ideas with supporting evidence.
- Organize thoughts logically.
- Express ideas through proper English.
If the readers disagree by more than one point, a third reader will be called in to evaluate the essay for fairness. The two scores for each domain will be added together, and your total writing score is the average of your four domain scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
The Waiting Game
You can view your scores online as soon as two weeks after taking the ACT. Score reports are released within three to eight weeks after the test date.
If you take the writing test, your score report will be available only after ALL of your scores - including your writing score - are ready, usually within five to eight weeks after taking the test.
Making Sense of it All
After you've taken the ACT, your scores are analyzed and calculated, and then reported on your ACT Student Score Report. Here's how to make sense of it all and see where you stand:
- Correct answers are counted in each of the four subjects. You will also see college readiness information so you can tell if your scores meet or fall short of these expectations.
- Your composite score is determined by averaging the scores from each of the four subject areas (not including your writing score). You can see how well you did in each subject by viewing the detailed results which show the total number and types of questions asked, how many you got right, and the percentage of correct answers.
- You can compare your scores to US and state rankings broken down by composite and subject scores.
Sending Your Scores
You can automatically send your ACT score report to four schools for free, if you select this option at the time of registration. However, you can always add more schools after you complete the exam and receive your scores.
Schools consider your ACT results for a variety of things:
- Admissions: ACT scores aren't the only thing schools look at, but they are at the top of the list.
- Course Placement: Many colleges look at your score report to see which level of a course you'll excel in: developmental, regular, or advanced.
- Academic Advising: Your scores can help counselors identify areas where you may need assistance and help determine the best route to get there.
- Scholarships & Student Loans: Colleges and scholarship agencies may use your ACT scores to evaluate your eligibility for scholarships, loans, and financial aid.
National Averages:
- English: 20.3
- Math: 20.9
- Reading: 21.3
- Science: 20.8
- Composite: 21
- Writing: 17.2
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xgua
but with a good course you will cover it quite nicely
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2017