<p>I am going to take a shot at the ACT this Saturday and see how I do. I still need work on my math and science reasoning, but I'm already registered so I figured "might as well take it anyway". I plan to study really hard over the next two months afterwards and take the ACT again in April. I expect a pretty big leap in my scores because of the extra study I plan on doing.</p>
<p>But then I saw posts on the internet about people who got huge leaps in their scores due to extra study. ACT would then get suspicious of cheating because of the huge gains in scores. I am really nervous this would happen to me... April will be my last chance to take the ACT before I have to start college. Does anyone know at what point the ACT gets suspicious about score gains? Has this happened to any of you?</p>
<p>I really would not worry about this. It seems a little bit silly and premature. I would definitely take the test on Saturday and then prep some more and do my very best in April. If your score is flagged, then I think that all they would do is require you to take the test again and if your score is within so many points of your highest score, then you would keep it. A lot of people have bad testing days and come back and do better the next time. Cross that bridge when and if you get to it. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. The only problem is that April will be my last chance to take the ACT, so if something goes wrong then it will mess up the admissions process for college this fall. That’s why I’m worried…</p>
<p>Oh and if it helps, my composite score for my last practice test was 22.</p>
<p>I am hoping to raise it to at least 30, if not higher.</p>
<p>Ok, guys. I need your feedback on an answer I received on Yahoo Answers, where I asked this question. Do you agree with this? Should I risk taking it this Saturday or just wait until April? Here it is:</p>
<p>"I don’t wish to scare you, but you are absolutely correct to be concerned. Nor do they need to prove it absolutely - it’s not a criminal charge, it is a score they are considered to be vouching for and they have the right to declare a score invalid.</p>
<p>hope you will understand that I am not going to post any details about what triggers review for SAT/ACT tests. Noone in their right mind would publicly post that kind of information.</p>
<p>However, I can give you some general advice. They have pretty good ways of distinguishing natural growth from cheating, but if you end up being accused, you will have a chance to appeal it and defend yourself.</p>
<p>If you are a senior, I understand April being the last one and good luck. If you are a junior who feels like there aren’t any other convenient dates before applying next year, I would strongly urge you to pass on april and take a later test even if it means moving some things around. You will just barely have gotten febs scores and an 8 point gain, even with two solid months of private tutoring, would be a remarkable jump."</p>
<p>It is totally up to you. I would not choose to live in fear of something that I am not guilty of. Have you ever taken an actual ACT before? I guess I am a little bit confused about the schedule you are on. You are planning on starting college in the fall? They do offer another setting of the test in June.</p>
<p>This will be my very first time taking the ACT. I guess that doubles my nervousness. lol I am going to college this fall, but I think the June test would be too close.</p>
<p>Did you end up taking the ACT last Saturday?</p>
<p>No, I just didn’t feel ready. I’m taking it in April.</p>
<p>I am taking it for the first time in April, too. I am incredibly nervous. I am glad that you made a decision you were comfortable with. How are you going to prep? Do you already have a plan?</p>