Kid has a 33 ACT ( 31 first try, 33 second, 34 superscore but I’m pretty sure ND doesn’t use that). He has a 3.7 at a top, rigorous private, strong ECs, will have good recs and is a legacy, otherwise no hooks. He wants to take it again as he’s confident he can get a 34 or 35 as he’s studied more and is getting those scores routinely on math and science subsections, and he’s gotten 35 and 36 on reading and english both times. Legacy is a big hook at ND, so are the stats even more important for those kids so Admin can legitimize their overall greater acceptance rate? Is the extra point or two worth it vs. the potential of not improving or doing worse? Thanks.
I am an incoming freshman at ND. Apparently last year’s admissions was one of the toughest years, and I assume this trend will continue. I was admitted non-legacy with a 33 ACT. I’d say your son has a very good chance at being admitted, especially with good GPA, strong ECs, legacy, and great recs. However, I would definitely retake it at least once more just to see if he could possibly raise his score to a 34 or 35. In my opinion, the extra point (s) can only help, and doing worse will NOT affect his chance at admission as ND will only look at his top composite scores.
I am also an incoming freshman and was deferred REA with a 3.9 and 34 ACT as a legacy. I definitely thought that all of my EC’s and recs were good, but I found that it was a disadvantage to be a local student, along with not making contact with my admissions counselor first. I think that in all honesty the extra point won’t make THAT much of a difference. I think that showing interest by contacting your admissions counselor does definitely help with admissions! Good luck! 
Thanks for the advice, guys. We’re going to visit our ad com on another visit to ND this summer.
I would be very uneasy with a 33; the kiddo better get studying. Also don’t waste the summer - volunteer, classes, job, do other meaningful things…
I was in the same boat 2 years ago, applied with a 33 ACT/800Math2+Physics, with roughly the same GPA from a Catholic feeder school. A 33 isn’t something to fret about, and improving it wouldn’t make a large difference. If he’s already studied and the cost of the exam isn’t a financial hardship, I don’t see why not. But the difference between a 33 and a 34 won’t make-or-break their acceptance. I’d focus on having a productive summer, writing compelling essays, and if he has time afterwards to study/take another ACT, go for it.