I’m applying for all the top Ivy’s and Stanford, etc. as a math/science major.
English: 28
Math: 36
Reading: 30
Science: 34
Composite: 32
It was my first time taking it. Should I retake later this fall? Do they care about my English/Reading scores since I’m applying as a math/science major?
I’m kinda hesitant to retake because I feel like I got really lucky in the reading and science section. When I did practice exams I got scores for reading as low as 24 and scores between 27-31 for science. Then out of no where I did pretty good on them on the real thing. I feel like it would be hard to replicate these scores again as well as score a perfect on math again just to bring up the English score.
I also got a 32 in june and was also kind of surprised at how well I scored on the reading and science sections. I am retaking it and I think that you should too considering that you are applying to schools where a 32 would be considered low. Additionally, I heard that the English section is easier to improve on than reading + science, so if you just study a little then you can easily go 34+. Good luck!
If you are serious about applying to Stanford or the Ivy’s, yes you need to retake it. They are looking for strong all-around test scores with exceptional achievement on EC’s or deep involvement in research. The beauty of the ACT is that, in most cases, you can send the test scores you want. If I remember right though Stanford wants to see all test scores
How does a 32 compare to a 33? I heard that 33 is like the threshold and anything higher wouldn’t make much of a difference.
Before I give any advice, I would like to point out that I only got a 27C (this is probably terrible to everyone here, lol). I did, however, get a 32 on my English. You are obviously way better at test taking than I am given your significantly higher composite score. If you can bring that English up a lot and increase the reading by 1 or 2, then I can see you getting a 33 with a chance of a 34. Your 28 and a 32 in English could just be a matter of getting 4 or 5 more questions right.
Best of luck to you! You should know that even for the very top schools, a 32 will never put you out of reach.
If you really want to have a chance at those schools, you should retake. Particularly you want to get all section scores above 30 to be the minimum. So you problem is not only having a near 25th percentile composite score, you have weakness in a section score that is important.
I would retake to just try to get up a little to make your application look more impressive
@Archlion I have heard 34 is the threshold, as it is considered 99th percentile. But either way, I think once you get into Ivy Level, where everyone applying has uber high scores, they become a little more important.
OP - A 32 is very good and won’t eliminate you from admission, but it can’t hurt to try to get your score up. It’s ultimately up to you. If you think the rest of your app will make up for it, no need. But test scores are generally viewed as the most important information as they put everyone on a level playing field.
Try requesting a Test Information Release if you plan on retaking it. Study extensively - many students do worse when re-taking the test just because the amount of pressure on them.
Also - Stanford Superscores the ACT, meaning they take your best score from each section and make a new composite. I don’t think any Ivies do this though. Just something to keep in mind.
EDIT: Stanford does not actually superscore, but they made this statement:
For the ACT, we will focus on the highest Composite and the highest Combined English/Writing scores from all test sittings. We will also consider individual subscores. -via http://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-that-superscore-act-complete-list
You will only improve your score if you do more practice. The law of means will all ways prevent you from scoring higher unless you put in the extra work.