Anonymous
Post 11/13/2017 08:38     Subject: Practice ACT score
Anonymous wrote:^^^Why do you think so many score poorly on the science section?


I think the Science section tests speed, which is really too bad. Kids who haven't prepped try to read the entire science "article" and then turn to the questions, but there just isn't time for this. You have to skim so that you understand the experiment, turn to the questions and then go back to locate the specific info you need. If you are testing knowledge of science, you shouldn't measure reading speed.
Anonymous
Post 11/12/2017 20:47     Subject: Practice ACT score
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:^^^Why do you think so many score poorly on the science section?


b/c kids actually try to "solve the problem" and, therefore, take too much time rather than answering what the question is asking for. it takes a lot of practice but can be done.


+1 this PP is spot on. you don't have to "know" the science, you just need to know how to answer the questions. kids trying to "solve" the problems fall behind and can't finish the exam on time.
Anonymous
Post 11/12/2017 20:41     Subject: Practice ACT score
OP - look at the content covered on the math test (see link below) and compare to what your child has done in school. It could be content that he hasn't had for a while, or material that hasn't been covered.

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/description-of-math-test.html

Anonymous
Post 11/12/2017 20:28     Subject: Practice ACT score
Anonymous wrote:^^^Why do you think so many score poorly on the science section?


It is a really weird section and barely about facts. There is a very peculiar rhythm to it, and some kids, like mine, never figure it out. Couldn't break 30, but she aced the AP physics exam.


Anonymous
Post 11/12/2017 19:34     Subject: Practice ACT score
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Scores on the science section tend to be more variable, not random necessarily, but a lot more variable. On math, Alg II will help, which is one of the reasons scores tend to be higher when kids take it after completing A 2, and on the ACT, there is more time pressure than SAT so a kid needs to be able to work quickly.


OP here. Thanks for this...this is the most helpful explanation and I appreciate it! DS took geometry last year and will be taking A2 this year, so that makes sense. Also, he gets time and a half on the test, so the time constraint would not apply to him. He will be taking SAT soon to see which test suits him best. Trying to get in front of this now rather than wait.


We will have to apply for extension of time for our dc as well. Does your dc have an iep or 504? Does he always use his extra time on tests/quizzes all the time? My dc often does not, so I'm thinking we will be denied extension although she has 504 allowing for extra time in school.


DS is in private school and has accommodations (time and a half). He does not use extra time that often, but does for mid-term and final exams. He does use it for any sort of standardized testing. Even if he finishes on time, he uses the extra time to check answers.

You will not be denied extra time if you have a diagnosis from a psychologist. You would need to get the neuro psych testing done if you haven't already.


Wrong. We are at a very selective private school and were completely denied the use of extra time.... unfortunately.
Anonymous
Post 08/09/2016 11:43     Subject: Practice ACT score
Anonymous wrote:A diagnosis from a psychologist is not necessarily enough to get testing accommodations for ACT or SAT. It is much harder than it used to be.


As it should be. You seldom get extra time in the real world.