<p>so I took the April ACT and got a 35. While not bad for my first crack at it, I got 36's on math, reading, and English but due to a stupid timing issue and general stupidity on my part I ended up leaving 3 or 4 questions blank on science and got a 33. (I didn't realize that those last 5 minutes would fly by so quickly and circled the answers to the last 7 or so questions in my test booklet before beginning to slowly fill in the bubbles, and ran out of time with 3/4 left to fill). </p>
<p>I realize that a 35 is great, but I can't help but want to retake and go for that perfect 36 composite, especially since I got 36's on all the science practice tests I took, and science is my strength. My one doubt is that, while math and science are typically a breeze for me, reading and English are iffy for me and I was probably pretty lucky to get 36's on those parts.</p>
<p>If you were in my position, would you retake and go for the 36 science (not so much because it would make a huge difference to colleges but more for personal satisfaction) at the risk of getting lower reading/English scores? (You can tell this is bothering me quite a bit since I'm still debating over this issue almost 3 months after getting my scores back!)</p>
<p>Another slightly unrelated question: can one retake the ACT without writing and still have it superscore with test results when they did take the writing part?</p>
<p>I love on how CC people describe their reading and english skills as “iffy” and then get perfect standardized test scores in those sections. We really are crazy, aren’t we…</p>
<p>Hell no. Don’t retake the test. You’re only wasting your time and money. No college would deny you over a 35. You’ve already proved that you’re phenomenally intelligent, why put yourself through the stress again?</p>
<p>it’s not one point, it’s 3. and considering the audience (the general CC community consisting of probably hundreds of ACT and SAT perfect scorers) no, I wasn’t trying to show off, I was trying to get the opinions of my peers. relax.</p>
<p>^ I agree. Asking about retaking is not showing off. In my opinion, you should do a practice test and see how you might do on the next retake. But I know what you mean - you could easily get lower scores the next time. I have a 34: 36 math, 36 science, 34 english, and 30 reading. So I’m kinda in the same boat as far as retaking goes: I might not get a 36 in both math and science the next time. Anyone think I should retake?</p>
<p>^^It’s one point on the composite. Which is what you’re after. I echo the sentiments of everyone else who’s posted in this thread: it is not worth your time, money, or effort to retake a 35 to get a 36. There’s no definite chance you WILL score a 36 on your retake, because something could always go wrong. Be content with your 35, it’s an outstanding score and certainly won’t be used against you.</p>
<p>For some reason, I always get the feeling that people telling you not to retake a high score don’t want you to get a perfect score… If you’re after a 36 as a personal accomplishment, then yes I would retake; otherwise, no.</p>
<p>^^^^^^^^ I think it would be in his best interest not to retake since that score is highly competitive even at the top most colleges (HYPSM + Ivies).</p>
<p>^ No, if colleges require the writing then only your scores from the tests with writing will count. But it shouldn’t affect your retake anyway, since writing comes at the end of the test.</p>
<p>@sicinfit I think you should really consider retaking, a 34 doesn’t cut it. Even if you get lower math/science scores, you could probably end up with a higher composite easily from getting that reading up to 34 or so.</p>
<p>meanwhile, you clearly have a life since you’re taking the time to complain about someone complaining about a composite score of 35. rightttt ;)</p>
<p>Actually, OP, I’m trying to save you from a lifetime of obsessive/compulsive behavior. You can’t honestly believe that the difference between a 35 and a 36 is going to be life changing, do you?</p>
<p>as far as OCD, I think I’m gonna be ok, judging from the current state of my bedroom. but thanks for your clearly heartfelt (cough, cough) concern</p>
<p>LOL! Leapinglizards, I love your attitude! Retake the test: you don’t sound like the type to stress out about test-taking, you’re mainly out to prove something to yourself, and it does seem like you wuz robbed by a minor timing issue. Just do a little test-prep before the test, to have everything fresh in your mind, double-check answers where possible and don’t underestimate the test: the difference between a 35 and a 36 is not raw ability, just preparation and focus. On the day of the test you need to mentally be (what athletes and stock traders call) “in the zone.”</p>
<p>I say go for it. You have nothing to lose except 40 bucks. But if you’re going to do it, take the writing with it. That way, if you get the 36, you won’t have the hassle of sending two separate scores to the schools that require the writing portion. It’s only an extra 30 minutes.</p>