23 on science; 28 composite... can I still get into college?!

<p>Hi all, I was wondering if I could get some of your input. I just received my ACT scores, and I was APPALLED to see that I had only received a 23 on the science portion! It was only my first time taking the ACT, and I had minimal preparation and I had no idea what I was going into, but a 23? Really??</p>

<p>The rest of my scores is as follows:
English: 30
Math: 26
Reading: 31
Combined English/Reading: 30</p>

<p>Composite: 28</p>

<p>My combined SAT score is a 2010, with the breakdown as follows:
Math: 590
Reading: 650
Writing: 770 with a 12 on the essay</p>

<p>Do you think the ACT score will really hurt me in my chances at schools such as Boston University, Northeastern, NYU, George Washington, and Penn State?</p>

<p>Please let me know, thank you!</p>

<p>Hahaha… I got a 23 on science the first time I took the ACT too without any prep. (I kind of lol’ed when I got the score back.) Honestly, I can’t comprehend the science section at all and can’t imagine how people finish all that within the time limit, despite me having read all the tips toward getting a good score in the science section. I always ended up guessing the last 20 questions in that section. Highest I ever got on that section is a 25.</p>

<p>Don’t worry about the science section too much. It obviously doesn’t really test your real science knowledge. It’s consists more of seeing whether you comprehend graphs/charts/data quickly. </p>

<p>But onto the point of your post… I think you’re good for Penn State, unless you’re planning to apply to some of their honors programs. I know a number of people who have been accepted to PSU with a 1200. You have a fair shot at NYU too unless you’re applying Stern. (I’m not clear enough on the standards of BU, Northeastern, and GWU to comment on.) Is there any specific field or major you’re looking into applying to? That might matter depending on what major you apply, since you’re strong in certain areas but visibly weaker in math. </p>

<p>If you can take the SAT or ACT another time, I suggest you practice the math sections more to raise your score a little. But you are definitely still getting in college, don’t worry. National average on the SAT is somewhere around the 1450 range, and you have a 2010.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! I’m applying into the Public Relations major, which is really a big relief for me since I’m clearly not very strong in science or math haha but all of this is still really nervewrecking.</p>