So I was cursed with the dreaded form 76A. Composite of 31 is fine. Subscores… not so much. Have a look:
36E, 27M, 35R, 25S
English and reading scores are impeccable but I completely tanked math and science. I’ve already applied early decision to four schools and I’d like to send my 31 to them immediately, but I know I can do much better in the stem sections. Would I risk preventing my chances from increasing if I waited to take the December test but got rejected by EA schools before receiving the score?
Villanova and Lafayette are my reaches and my ACT score is around the 75th percentile for each. I’m nonetheless concerned that they’d see the 27 and 25 and wipe their rear ends with my app, especially considering that I’m most interested in pursuing a stem major…
I would send the score regardless, and take it again if you really want a higher score. Personally, I believe that it is better for colleges to have ANY score from an applicant, regardless of whether it shows their best potential or not.
Even if the score does not suffice, you can always go for regular decision with the December ACT. However, I think that a 31C is an awesome score, and it definitely won’t hurt your chances!
@daboombas Gotcha. I’ll send them in. Thanks so much!
I would. I applied to Cornell ED thinking that I made 32 on this act but made 25. The worst that can happen it’s rejection but I’ll try again in Dec. Btw do you have any studying tips for this month? I’ll probably get a tutor since my test scores and practice scores are so different
@daboombas Wait, I erroneously stated in my post that I’m applying ED. I’m actually applying EA. Would I still have a chance to apply RD if I get rejected?
@MarcoXP I went ahead and sent them. I’m not applying to any schools nearly as selective as Cornell, but my GPA is terrible so I was really hoping to compensate with a good ACT. I meant to say I applied EA, not ED. Would I still be able to apply a second time with a (hopefully) higher score if I’m rejected initially?
Honestly, I was doing really well on math and science in practice (talking 30+) but then they tore me a new poop chute on the real thing so I’m not sure if my studying advice would be of any value lmao. Definitely take the practice tests in the official red books. I worked my way up to the 35R and 36E using the tests in the 3rd edition and 2016-2017 books.
For math-specific studying, check out Richard Corn’s Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT. I unfortunately only bought it in time for about a week’s worth of use before test day, but it’s very concise and helpful. Contains every concept you need to know with plenty of problems to work on and review.
You can improve just as much if not more without a tutor than you would with. You just need to study efficiently (which I evidently haven’t learned to do yet), assess your mistakes and put in the hours.