Okay, so I’m applying to top colleges in the fall - Stanford is currently my number one. I got a 33 on my ACT, which I was happy about. My real problem is my subscores. I got a 36 English, 35 Reading, 34 Science, and… a 27 Math. Nowhere near what I wanted. The thing is, I’m really good at math. I just suck at doing math when I’m timed. My grades in Calc and in previous math classes can attest to that, but my subscore just isn’t where it needs to be. I took the ACT three times (once sophomore year as a joke, twice as a junior) and my math score never budged, but I also didn’t really study for math. Now I’m wondering if I need to take it again in the fall and try to get my math score up. I REALLY don’t want to do that, but I will if I have to.
Please let me know what your opinions are. As an intended Physics major, I know they may consider Math more than English and Reading. But will they really look that closely, or just focus on the 33?
Thank you!
People with 36C get rejected from Stanford, add some match and safety schools to your list.
I’m not sure what you were thinking when you took the ACT without really preparing for the Math, especially since you’re planning to major in Physics.
If I were a college admissions officer, I’d reject you just for that.
But the good news is that I’m not college admissions. And your C33 might be enough to pass the imaginary cutoff at many schools, including. But I say “might”.
So check with the colleges directly to make sure what the average range of scores were last year of students who got in.
Once you meet that imaginary cutoff, everything else (e.g., GPA, ECs, Essays, etc) will matter way more. Make sure everything else is in good shape.
Good luck!
If I were you I’d retake it, but it’s up to you. That 27 in math will do nothing but hurt you in applying for top colleges but the admissions officer might be able to overlook that because of your high composite and if you have good EC’s. I’m sure if you mainly practice math you’ll be able to raise that score!
Many people who are good at math have trouble with the tight timing of the ACT, even after a lot of prep. Colleges that consider subscores might overlook the low math score if you have other scores that make it seem unimportant. How about prepping for the October SAT Math 2 and Physics subject tests?