I got a 35 on english, math, and reading, but a 30 on science. I am not majoring in STEM. In general, do colleges prefer to see applicants with scores that are consistent across the board or are they okay with there being a discrepancy?
Just another data point. There’s no magic in being consistent vs. spread out for the same composite. 33, 34, 34, 34 in and of itself wouldn’t be “better”.
The area of strength/weakness in relation to the scores does matter. That score profile may be a bit less beneficial for a STEM major.
ACT now permits re-taking by section now, instead of having to retake the whole test. How and if that might change AO opinions in the future remains to be seen. I think OP is okay for this year, though.
No, they don’t. They have announced an intention to start this a year from now.
As I believe OP is currently a senior completing college applications, this does not help.
As a non stem, you may be ok. Depends. And if this is for more competitive colleges, it can help to have top sci grades and top AP scores.