My Junior daughter had been focusing on SAT prep, but her HS had a mandatory ACT a few weeks ago, and she got:a 24 composite:
36, 35, 35, and 28(science)
She hadn’t prepped at all for the ACT (and so she hadn’t prepped for science) and we are torn about retaking? Open to advice?
Thank you! SO grateful for this forum!
oops- I meant a 34 composite:)
Apologies for being pedantic, but “WE” aren’t going to re-take the test: SHE will be the one re-taking the exam. It may seem a petty point, but it is a distinction that will become more and more important over the next 12 months. “WE” won’t be doing college applications -SHE will. “WE” won’t be going to college - SHE will. This increasing separation is an important part of both her owning the ultimate choice (which should be hers, within whatever clear guidelines you have set in terms of finance, etc), as well as transitioning to the independence of college.
As for whether or not to re-take the ACT, 2 thoughts. First, a 34 is a very strong score- unless she is applying for tippy-tops, there is no need to re-take it. Second, there is no special merit to having both SAT and ACT. IMO, see how the SAT goes. If she is happy with her score, no need to re-take. If she finds that overall the ACT suits her better, or decides to apply to tippy-tops, AND she wants to, why not?
I notice on your other threads that she seems to be interested in nursing / pre-med, so the low science score is an outlier. Fwiw, the science on the ACT is more about speed-reading the questions than tricky science.
ps, per your other thread, based on your descriptions, WashU and Emory wouldn’t be where I would suggest for her if she is looking at reachier schools. Rice and Vandy were better suggestions Remember that merit aid will go to students in the very high end of accepted student stats, and that many only offer financial (not merit aid), so work the NPCs!
collegemom3717- great points! Thank you:)
has she taken the writing?
@collegemom3717 In sevenbabies’ defense, test taking is often a family endeavor. Mom and Dad will likely be paying for retesting fees, prep materials, possible tutoring, in addition to making accommodations for dedicated quiet study time in the home and providing transportation. The student is not operating in a bubble and all these factors require some cooperation from parents. For a parent to refer to the operation as something “we” are seeking advice about is perfectly acceptable. Good luck @sevenbabies!
Same question about the Writing portion. Did the in-school test include that? I think they usually do not. If not, then she may have to take it again, or the SAT with Writing.
@MadisonWI, having done it more than once, I am acutely aware of the work that parents put in as they help their students through the testing and application process (not to mention how different the process can be with different kids)! I stand over my comment that only 1 person actually takes the test, and that ‘increasing separation’ through the process is important . I hope that I made the point kindly and supportively, and I think that @sevenbabies took it that way.
I am not clear as to whether you are a parent (as you say here: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/new-york-university/1769959-nyu-stern-undergraduate-admission-gpa.html#latest) or a student (as you indicate here: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/2065841-february-27-2018-act-score-release-for-wisconsin.html#latest). Whichever you are, come the day of college, there is definitely no more ‘we’!
Totally agree with @MadisonWI. FAFSA, paying for retakes, paying for the eventual college…it is definitely a family process with some family decisions going on. My daughter barely has time to sleep let alone research the nuances of test taking strategies. A lot of info is gathered by me, screen shot to her, then we have a pow wow to discuss. Very much a we. I’m not leaving her stranded to figure this out on her own at 16. There is a year and change left to make this transition and something this important still needs guidance. Honestly I still get my parents input on many big decisions I make.
Schools don’t put a ton of weigh on the subsections, but rather the composite. 34 is strong, I’d stick with it! Makes her competitive anywhere!
Personally, test-taking is not at all a family endeavor. I took the ACT with a fee waiver, no tutor, and a prep book handed down to me from a 12th grade friend. I ended up with a 34 as well. Whether or not I want to retake it is completely my choice.
Not everyone has parents who can pay for prep materials, provide transportation, and be super involved in their academics. My parents never attended college, so I rely on my counselor and peers for help. I’m “figuring it out on my own” at 15, and doing just fine.