Can we believe the ACT practice test scores?

[galtgrl]

Just a quick Q: How accurate have you found the scores your child gets on practice ACT's at home versus the real test? If we can believe the practice scores my dd will do very well, but I don't want her to feel bad if there isn't actually as strong a correlation as we think. Thanks! -Jen

[newbie]

:bigear:

[StaceyinLA]

I'd say that makes the score pretty close, but that's my only experience with both so that's not real scientific!!

[creekland]

My oldest only took the ACT once and scored 2 points lower on the real test than his usual on practice tests (did 6). I chalk it up to jitters. Since he got a 31, I wasn't concerned enough to have him take it again. If he'd been looking at going to a top college, I definitely would have had him take it again to try to match his "usual."

[MSPolly]

Did your child do *timed* practice tests? If they took the practice tests *as if* they were real tests, then according to our experience, the scores are pretty close :)

[galtgrl]

Yep, she did timed tests, and even had a little time left over for each section. Sounds like her actual scores should be pretty close, then. Good to know!

[2cents]

We found them to be pretty close. :)

[CathieC]

Oldest son scored higher on the practice tests by 1-2 points in each area. All timed, simulated with similar break periods like they do at the real test centers. Younger son scored exactly the same on the practice and the real test.