Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Boosting my overall ACT score—suggestions?

Hello! I'm currently studying for the ACT and trying to improve my overall score. Any recommendations on the best ways to raise my ACT score, like study methods or resources? Thank you!

8 months ago

Hello! Boosting your ACT score can be achieved through a combination of targeted study methods and utilizing helpful resources. Here are some suggestions:

1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Start by taking a full-length, timed ACT practice test to get a baseline score. Analyze your performance to pinpoint areas where you're struggling and those in which you excel. Focusing on your weaknesses will help you make the most significant score improvements.

2. Create a study schedule: Establishing a consistent study schedule that allocates time for each section of the test will improve your overall preparedness. Determine how much time you'll spend studying each week and divide that time between content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests.

3. Targeted content review: Get an ACT prep book or use free online resources like Khan Academy to study specific subject areas and concepts that need improvement. Focusing on gaps in your knowledge will help boost your ACT score.

4. Integrate practice problems: Reinforce your learning by working on realistic ACT practice problems. Check out free resources or invest in an ACT-specific question bank to target the question types you struggle with the most.

5. Take full-length practice tests: Regularly taking timed, full-length practice tests will help you get accustomed to the test format, pacing, and structure. This will enable you to build endurance and gain confidence for the actual test day. The official ACT website and prep books often come with practice tests, so make sure to use those when available.

6. Learn time management strategies: The ACT is a timed test, so it's crucial to manage your time effectively. Develop a pacing strategy that allows you to answer every question without feeling rushed. As you take practice tests, refine your pacing strategy based on your performance.

7. Review your mistakes: After completing practice tests or questions, always analyze your mistakes and identify patterns or trends in your errors. Understanding why you made a mistake will help you avoid similar errors in the future.

8. Stay motivated and disciplined: Set realistic but challenging goals for your target ACT score and track your progress as you study. Stay focused and disciplined with your study schedule to ensure you make consistent improvements.

9. Seek guidance: If you find yourself struggling with a particular concept or question type, don't hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to a teacher, school counselor, tutor, or online communities for assistance.

10. Practice stress management: Test anxiety can negatively affect your performance. Incorporate stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness exercises, to help you remain calm during the test.

Remember that improvement takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged if your score doesn't increase dramatically right away. Stay committed to your study plan and apply these strategies to reach your ACT goals. Good luck!

8 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.