ACT Score for College Admissions

I am applying to moderately selective engineering schools (Purdue, Rose Hulman, etc.). Their average ACT scores range from 26-31. I scored a 25 composite on the ACT, which is below the average. However, I scored a 28 on math, 26 on science, 24 on english, and 23 on writing. Should I include my ACT score in my applications? My Composite is below the average, but my STEM score is within the average. Thank you.

Can you retake in September or October? I think it is important to get it up at least a little bit higher.

@student0517 unfortunately it’s too late for september, and i have to apply by november 1st for most colleges, so it would be cutting it close taking the october one

bump

         What alternative do you have when you ask about submitting your ACT? 

@Sybylla i have a 1270 SAT that i am submitting

Do you have applications where that SAT would be in range for engineering?

You can register August 5th-18th for the Sept 9th date by paying a late fee. http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

Dig deep, get a prep book, and give it another shot. You’ve got enough time to make it happen. Good luck!

Take the October test then. You will have options for schools with later application dates if you improve.

Make sure you include schools where your score is in the mid 50% on your college list.

Whether to include your scores where it’s optional depends on your transcript. The missing test scores means only your transcript speaks to your academic readiness. They will be looking for strong grades and honors and AP classes.

Take the October test. It’s worth it to apply later if it means a score increase that puts you at or above the range for the schools you’re applying to. Better to apply later with a 28-30 than earlier with a 25.

Keep in mind that 26-31 is for all admissions, not just engineering. Engineering is something like 28-32.

What are colleges’s score range for SAT? If your SAT score is within that range, don’t submit ACT. The college will first look into the Composite score, so you risk submitting one below avarage.

Hey I made a video about my scores and application to Ohio State… I mention what I believe is good standing to get admitted or not. I hope this video helps a bit! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWIJnS1a9nM&t=47s

Take the October test while submit your EA with current score. The new score will be likely in time for EA evaluation as long as your application is complete.

@mysmom @billcsho @DatGirlEK @allly079 @flatKansas @maralyn99 thanks for the responses. I’ve decided to pay the late fee and take the September ACT. Better to be safe than sorry.

Good for you, @moose614! Hope the prep work is going well.

Similarly for the SATs, 1270 is right at 25% for Purdue engineering, it’s a still a good score but a 27 or 28 on the ACT would be solid. Good luck!

I re-took the test and scored a 35 on english (up from a 24) and a 30 on reading (up from a 23). Very glad that I re-took it. It was well worth the effort.

@mysmom

@moose614 that’s fantastic! Congratulations on your hard work & success! Thanks for letting us know!