30 on first ACT- Chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello: </p>

<p>I took my first ACT that counts this year, as junior. I've taken the ACT several, several times before in junior high to prepare for this, getting better each time. My highest score in reading is a 35, I once got a 30 in math...
This was the first test that 'counted' (of course I will take 1-2 more) and I took writing with it. My writing score was excellent (10) but my science score and math score (26 and 28, respectively) My average score came out to be a 30.
When I walked into the test, I expected to do better- at least a 32, hopefully a 33. Considering the fact that I did better as a FRESHMAN on the reading and writing, I know what I am capable of. Granted, I have not touched on subjects like geometry or basic grammar since freshman year- and I have not studied those topics since. I did not prepare for the ACT with any books/etc. this time around b/c I was confident in myself to do well.
Considering I've done better in the past on most of the subjects, that I didn't study out of books at all this time, should I do better next time I take the ACT (after I've reviewed subjects like geometry, grammar, science, areas that I did moor poorly on)? I think I should.. does anybody have any advice/personal stories about this?
My current schools in mind right now are University of Michigan Ann Arbor, University of California at Berkeley, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (I live in Illinois) My ACT score is good enough, but not amazing.
My GPA by the end of junior year (non-weighted) should come out to anywhere between a 3.8-3.95.
My extracurricular activities include Band, Jazz Band, Piano, Volunteering at a local children's museum, and Chinese Honor Society.
I plan on majoring in Economics and minoring in International Relations, continuing learning Mandarin in college, and eventually getting my MBA from the University of Chicago.
Do you think I am on the right path to achieve my goals, and most importantly, if I follow through with a rigorous study plan, to do better on the ACT? (I can obviously do a bit better) Thanks!</p>

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<p>Nice Job! A 30 on an ACT is really fantastic! I graduated High School in 2012 and I am now a freshman in a community college. I live in Illinois as well! </p>

<p>As far as getting your ACT up I definitely think it will happen. For me, it took a lot of practice. I took it two times and if I can remember, I got a 24 the first time and a 26 the second time and I was satisfied with that! During my sophomore and junior year, my hs prepared us a lot for this test during school and also outside of school. They offered an ACT class in the evenings so see if your school offers any kind of ACT sessions. I personally took a “private” class on Saturdays (it was not affiliated with my hs). It was fairly expensive but SO worth it. We took a ton of practice tests and the instructors (who have taught for years and know this test like the back of their hand) taught us so many tips and “cheats” (like the most used multiple choice letter…things like that, not actually cheating) that are just as important to know as the actual math, reading, and science skills. </p>

<p>As for your extracurricular activities, you seem to be very involved and colleges love that.
Overall, you appear to be very well ahead of the game! I had no clue what I wanted to be or where I wanted to go as a junior and I am still trying to explore all of my options. You seem motivated, but don’t burn yourself out! You still have some time so pace yourself and you should reach your goals!</p>

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<p>UMI: Match
Berkeley: High match (can you pay full-freight?)
UIUC: Low match (for something other than business/engineering)/Match (for business/engineering)</p>

<p>If you write stellar essays and get a 32+ next time, U Chicago becomes reachable.</p>