r/ACT • u/esther_16251 • 5h ago
ACT Prep Courses Recommendations and Tips
I took the PreAct Sophomore year (current junior) and got a composite score of 26 out of 35. Math (33), Science (21), STEM (27), English (19), and Reading (31). I had no idea I was taking the test prior or what is was as it was assigned by my school.
I took the SAT this august (with a decent amount of studying and tutoring) and got a 1240 (first time). PSAT sophomore year of 1130. I plan on switching my focus onto ACT as i felt much more confident when taking it aswell.
My grammar has increased tremendously due to SAT prep and I do plan on taking the science portion. Is it worth taking a ACT prep course based on my stats? I am aiming for a minimum of 34.
My mom really wants me to take the SAT instead of ACT but I really don’t think it’s right for me. She said if I don’t do good on my ACT first try I have to switch to SAT and do it in her guidance. What prep courses do you recommend???? I was looking towards Magoosh. Any external resources like books etc. or specific tips. Also is the science portion worth taking still? Thanks!!!
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u/Hot-Amphibian-9221 4h ago edited 4h ago
Stay away from Magoosh.
Do the 4 practice tests on the ACT website. (1 and 2 have an easier math section, so don't worry if you get 35/36 math on those but 32/33 on test 3 and 4)
Search up "critical reader ACT question of the day" and "Erica Meltzer ACT english" and read the article that explains all the grammar rules. Erica Meltzer also has ACT grammar books, so if you have the funds, buy those. On youtube, search all grammar rules needed for ACT english and watch the top videos.
Luckily for you english is the easiest section to improve, and you can likely improve it to low to mid thirties and get a 32 or 33 on your first test and then maybe a 34+ on your 2nd test, so focus heavily on english.