I took the ACT and received a 35 (36W 35M 36R 31S). Let me start off by saying this is a phenomenal score. I do not want to insinuate that I am disappointed or care about the difference between a 35 or 36, as I feel that would be tone deaf and disrespectful to those who try their absolute best and would kill for the score I have.
However, I am concerned about a 31 on the Science. Does the composite make up for this score. Is it competitive for Ivies? I want to apply to Yale and they want to see an applicant’s entire testing history, so would it look as though I am focused on all the wrong things if I retook the test if a 31 on Science really is a big problem?
Thank you for your time, and good luck with your college admissions processes.
A 35 is wonderful so I wouldn’t worry about a section score.
35 will be fine, R and M are usually most important anyway. And it probably wouldn’t hurt to retake it, but a higher science sub score definitely wouldn’t help you, and there’s no reason to waste a Saturday morning on it.
I’m pretty much in the same boat as you. I got a 34 composite (E: 36, M: 34, R: 34, S: 31) but a low science score on the February test. I decided not to retake because there are other ways I can work on enhancing my application (e.g., increasing my volunteer hours, spending more time on college essays, etc.). Your 35 is fantastic!
If you were one of my students and had a 35, the only reason I would tell you to take the test again is strictly for pride to see if you could get the perfect 36. Otherwise, enjoy your saturday mornings this fall!
31 sub-score with a 35 composite is not a problem, even for Yale. With the composite score you have you may or may not get into Yale but if you don’t, it won’t be because of standardized test scores. D’s situation was similar, she’d taken ACT required in our state and then again by herself a month later. It may have looked a little goofy to submit a 35 and a 36 but I think colleges really don’t read that much into things like this
I got the exact same score! Likewise, I had the same worries as you; however, my counselor had similar advice as most replies to this thread.
The score is great, and your time is certainly better spent working on other (weaker) parts of your application. Good luck and congrats!