Does anyone know a simple and effective way to study for the ACT math section?

[s_lynn22]

I need to bring my score up for the math section. Math had never really been my strongest subject. Studying for this section feels very overwhelming for me, because of the amount of stuff I have to remember. And I feel like I don’t know where to start and what I’m doing isn’t enough. My superscore is at a 19 and I just need to be at a 20. If anyone can give me tips I would appreciate it.

[Oliverlogan263]

Hey, I felt the same way about the math section when it is took for the ACT. So much stuff to study and it all felt kinda jumbled in my brain. What worked for me was breaking it down bit by bit.

First, I would focus on just one concept at a time. Like work through all the geometry formulas and practice problems until that started making sense. Then move on to something else, like algebra or numbers and operations. Take it step-by-step so it doesn't feel so overwhelming trying to learn everything at once.

Also, a lot of my friends said working practice tests helped more than just doing random problems. It gives you a better feel for the timing and how the questions are structured. Maybe do one practice section per week so you're not just shotgunning answers. Take your time to really understand each step.

Oh, and YouTube was clutch too for some concepts. Sometimes a different explanation than the textbook just clicks better. Don't be afraid to search around.

Hope this gives you a place to start. You got this! Focus on technique more than trying to memorize absolutely everything. Good luck, let me know if any other questions come up.

[WindAtMyBack]

To be honest, I think a big part of being good at math is liking it. I think you have to enjoy math to really dig in and truly understand it. If you don't enjoy it, it will fight you every step of the way.

I think that's why it feels overwhelming to you. You are fighting it, and it is fighting you back.

I know that doesn't really answer your question. But maybe it will help you understand the problem. I know this from my own experience liking math, then later not liking it. I also saw this when I tutored remedial level math in college. The people who were bad at math had a block. They couldn't get past that block, because they didn't really want to. They just didn't like it enough to break through.

I loved math when I was young, and was good at it. Now, I'm not into it any more. I look at it and just see a jumble. I think "Nah, ain't gonna do it. Ain't gonna dig in to decode all of that.". I just don't have the motivation to even try.

Somehow you have to get past that. Hopefully because you come to see it as a fun puzzle.