Do most colleges accept HS sophomore ACT test scores?
Yes, I believe so.
Yes from what we found they do. I believe there was only one or two that said the test score needed to be within the last 3 or 4 years. You can verify on specific college websites.
If you take ACT as a sophomore, and get, say 28…then you take as a Junior and get a 34…
Are the colleges going to see both scores?
I’d like my son to be fully prepared, and do a “one and done”, but he may need an ACT score for a summer program.
Does it disadvantage him for colleges, later, to have an earlier lower score?
@sunnyschool I’m not sure. Most schools I looked at accept the highest score and some schools will “super score” which means they will take the highest score on each section. I think Baylor and Duke will do this.
@sunnyschool, no, you choose which ACT scores to submit by test date. Generally speaking, if a school, super-scores, then you would want to send in all test dates with the highest sub-section (English, Reading, Math, Science). If one does not super-score, you can just send in the test date with the highest composite. So, for example, if you apply to 8 schools and 5 super-score, you would send multiple tests to those five schools and just the highest composite to the other 3.
That basic equation can change, though, if you take the ACT with Writing. Then you might want to send in additional tests based on your writing score and whether or not a school considers the writing score. Some do and some don’t. It’s generally advisable to take it with writing at least once early. And occasionally there might be another reason to send in an extra score. Good luck!
Keep in mind you can delete an ACT score if you want.
@TTG why take early with writing?
I ask b/c he was signed up without writing (didn’t need writing for the summer program).
I feel like his writing is still improving, by the day practically, so thought maybe next year with writing?
We have to change the April date to June, also.
I don’t mean necessarily the first time, especially if taking sophomore year. Getting comfortable with the test without writing might be a good way to go for a lot of students. Some schools require the writing section; some recommend; and some don’t use it. If a student takes ACT with writing early and does well on that section, they might not have to worry about it later. If they don’t do well, they can do it again with experience of first test (time management, etc.). Also, if they take ACT plus Writing and get a great composite score, they won’t have to take it again if a school they want to attend requires or recommends the writing section. One of my kids took it without writing in April. They got a strong score but then realized they needed to do it again with writing for a couple of the schools on their list. Good luck!