ACT frustration/question

<p>So I think standardized testing is out to get me haha. The first time I took the ACT, I got 33s on both Writing and Math, but I did pretty bad on Reading and History. So my composite ended up being a 30. Then when I took it in September, I did the opposite (I think I studied too hard on my weaker areas and thus I didn't do as well the 2nd time around). Anyway, I ended up with a 30 composite again. Grr...So my question is this, I noticed that on the US News report, 30 is like the lowest for the ivies (I'm obsessed with Yale). Is a 30 just too low? I mean luckily for Brown and Cornell, they allow superscoring for the ACT (which is a 33 for me). So for those I'm ok. I know that scores are only part of the application, but they are a big part. My essays are really good (I think) and I have glowing letters of rec from my teachers and counselor. I really would like some honest feedback (meaning not rude comments please). I still do have September and December to take the test, but I'm just curious where I stand as of now? Oh and I know these aren't given must weight anymore, but my subject tests are all 700+ (if that helps at all). Thanks!</p>

<p>If you’re not “hooked” (I don’t particularly favor that word), that score will definitely work against you, but if the rest of your application is tantalizing enough you could still stand a chance. You really will want to bump up that score if you want to be competitive, though.</p>

<p>oye. ya i figured so much. that’s probably the only thing i hate about the ACT, one little mistake on a few questions and you’re shot :/</p>

<p>Perhaps the SAT might help you then? Some students do better on ACTs than SATs, and vice versa, and you might be one who would do better on the SAT.</p>

<p>There isn’t a History Section on the ACT.</p>

<p>Yeah, good call ^^</p>

<p>opps haha that’s a typo. Meant science. I think that was me subconsciously wishing there was a history section lol. and I’m an ACTer. The SAT vocab continues to rape me haha.</p>

<p>Yes, for an unhooked applicant, 30 is too low. 33 doesn’t help either. Make sure your list includes realistic reaches.</p>