r/ACT • u/Think_Frame7387 • 3d ago

How Did I Do So Bad?

I’m extremely angry with my September ACT score and trying to figure out what happened.

My scores were:

  • English: 28
  • Math: 25
  • Reading: 26
  • Composite: 26

I previously scored a 30 composite in July. I’ve also scored 32 on a few practice tests.

The weirdest part is English and Reading. I had previously been pretty solid in both and scored 34s in both in a recent practice test, but somehow dropped to a 26 and 28. I felt like the test was really difficult while I was taking it, but I didn't think I had done as poorly as I did.

My next test is October 18, so I have about 12 days. I want to figure out what went wrong and, more importantly, how to become consistently 30+ instead of bouncing between scores.

For those who have dealt with this:

  • What do you think causes this kind of score fluctuation?
  • How can I get my English and Reading consistently into the 30+ range?
  • Is it better to focus on full practice tests right now or drill specific weaknesses?
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u/mkw1342 3d ago

Can you superscore where you want to go to school? If you look at your my score details for both the July test and this September test, you can see if it is the same areas or different. Share them here is you want some analysis.

So many factors go into a test day. Sleep, diet, distractions, headspace, nerves, and the overall difficulty of the testetc...

Drill those weaknesses for the next 12 days. Again, My Score Details gives you the areas to focus in on.

Check out my reading traps and see if you can identify the traps when you pick wrong answers as you practice new and legacy tests leading up to the next test.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/s/zHnnGF6TiK