ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR 34+!
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!
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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!