Hi, I just got my results back from the february ACT and I got a 33. I was aiming for a 34 composite but just barely missed. I was happy about my math and english scores. I have taken the ACT once before too and I got a 31 (30, 28, 34, 30). So my superscore is a 34. Is it worth retaking? I have been told that most weight is placed on math and english scores but I am not sure to what extent this is true. Will my scores put me at a disadvantage or should I move on?
Wouldn’t hurt to take it one more time. However, that is still a good score. Are you a junior?
Yes I am a junior.
Then it’s worth trying at least one more time. Just do more practice tests and understand the type of problems you are getting wrong.
Are you looking at any highly competitive schools? Your English and math scores are excellent, but I feel like your one downfall is that you have a reading score that actually decreased over time. If you feel like you would be able to replicate all of your best scores (35 E, 35 M, 34, R, 30+ S) it’s worth the retake. Otherwise, don’t bother. Your score is fine. Check out if any of the schools you’re looking at superscore the ACT as well, because not many do.
This is a pretty good list, although not completely updated, and it works as a starting point.
I am just not sure if it would be better to just focus on my SAT 2s, or maybe try one more time. I studied a lot. My reading score was lower than my practice tests predicted ( I got 36 in reading on both online official practice tests).
Do you get testing anxiety? I think that the person taking the test is usually the best judge of how he or she can actually do if they take it one more time. I knew that I didn’t think it would be worth the extra prep to try to improve on my 34 (34 E, 35 M, 35 R, 33 S), even though I was only one question from a 35. If you think that you realistically will be able to get a 34, retake it. Don’t deceive yourself or get too ambitious. If you feel that you just made silly mistakes on the reading or get nervous, try it again. A 34 on the ACT is widely regarded around here as being “good enough.” If you end up getting the 34 (or are stuck with the 33, which is a quite respectable score), just focus on making up for whatever weaknesses you have in other ways. Colleges don’t really expect perfect applicants, and as long as you don’t try to make yourself look like something you’re not, you’ll be fine.
Alot of the schools I am applying to are on that list. I don’t get testing anxiety. As far as how I felt, I didn’t expect my math and english to be as good as they were (although I knew it was a definite possibility) but expected my science and reading to be a lot better. I took at least 12 practice tests to prep, and I am honestly not the luckiest guy in the world so I am afraid of ending up with a lower math and english.
I think you’re best off just letting sleeping dogs lie in this case. If you’re really paranoid about it, prep for the literature SAT II. I think your score is more than fine and if the schools you’re looking at are on that list, you’re probably fine.
Yeah, I am planning on taking Chem, Math 2 and Spanish SAT 2s. I am actually not very good at english but studied my ass off for that section.
What do you plan to study in college. That is a very good score. If you have time I would say try again in April. You had great increases since the first test and have prepped a lot so I think there is a chance your score could increase. Especially since you have been getting higher reading scores on practice tests. If your goal is to get a 34, my suggestion would be to work on science since there is more room to increase.
Hey, I’m a junior who just took the ACT in February as well. I missed my target score by 1-2 points too! I’m retaking the test just because I’m a little obsessive over things like that, but a 33 is a fantastic score and you really don’t have to retake it if you’re happy with it. If not, then keep trying! You will get to your target score. Good luck!
I am planning on double majoring in Biochem and either philosophy or history.