ACT Retake???

Test Preparation
1

Hi everyone- I’m having a bit of a dilemma. I just got my June ACT back, and it’s a little lower than expected. I really thought I would get a 32, but that did not happen. These are my scores thus far:

October 2015: 27C 31M 31S 25E 21R
April 2016: 29C 33M 23S 29E 29R 24 Essay
June 2016: 30C 32M 31S 31E 24R

I feel as if I always have section that holds me back, usually reading or science, and I have shown I can do well on them. I was really hoping that June would be the test where I put everything together. So my question is… Should I retake in September? I would also retake the essay, which is pretty low. My selective schools are Notre Dame and Northwestern, but getting into one is not a necessity. I think there is still room for improvement, but is it worth it to take another ACT?

Also, I got a 1440 on the new SAT, which is equivalent to a 1390 on the old SAT.

2

Was the SAT from a single sitting? If so, then it appears you did better in a single sitting of the SAT than in any of your ACTs. So maybe consider retaking that. Be sure to practice for it and take advantage of the tons of resources to help.

Similarly, if you decide to retake the ACT, also do some serious practice and drilling. Otherwise you’re just spinning your wheels. (If you have been practicing, then maybe you’ve topped out on the ACT and really should focus on the SAT.)

Regardless, your scores are good as they stand! But better scores means more choices.

3

I have only taken a couple ACT practice tests and I feel there is room for improvement if I put in a lot of time. I have taken the SAT twice and feel that I have maxed out on that. Also, I am considering applying ED and I don’t want to count on taking the October SAT since scores are taking so long to get.