I have the pleasure of working with so many students who are striving to increase their ACT scores. Unfortunately, students show up to my ACT classes on various academic levels. Some students have a plethora of skills, while others tend to lack basic skills that will guarantee success. Nevertheless, the great equalizer among students is the math section on the ACT. It is evident that students are waiting until their junior and senior year to get serious about the ACT. This is dangerous because they run the risk of forgetting basic pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry skills. Lacking these essential skills can make the math section extremely difficult for the brightest scholar.

I would urge students to get serious about the ACT no later than 10th grade. Even further, it would be wise for students to start prepping and taking the test in 9th grade. Testing early and testing often would guarantee success before senior year. I hate to see these students frustrated during their senior year. Let’s encourage them to start working towards a higher ACT score no later than 9th grade. This will give them plenty of time to work on any deficient math skills. ACT Up!