December 2016 scores:
35 Reading
35 Writing
31 Science
29 Math
So I’m taking the ACT in Feb again and I really need help w/ improving my math score. I am in AP Calc currently, but I’ve never been able to grasp the math sections of standardized tests. When I took the ACT, I didn’t even finish the math section. I just need to improve it a little to get a higher score, and I know that Harvard/Yale would be satisfied with a 34. Also, what are the chances that I do worse on reading/writing next time I take it, and will it matter if I send both scores?
Harvard/Yale will be satisfied with a 33. I suggest you not retake the test (unless this is your first try) and spend time doing something you love.
If you really want to retake, print out practice tests (google it) and focus on the math test only. Write down every mistake in a notebook and understand the concept behind the problem and why you missed it.
whether you’ll get into Harvard/Yale or not won’t be because of a 34 vs a 33 but because of the other items on your application.
I think that you should give the ACT one more shot. The difference between a 33 and 34 will not guarantee admission by any means, but given that you did other even finish the math section, I think that you could have the capability to improve. You should be aware that the average ACT score at Harvard is a 34. Also, I am assuming that when you said Writing, you meant English.
I agree that if you have time and the money, I don’t see any harm in giving the ACT another try.
Is your Math mainly because of time constraint ? If so, will you be able to spend time to do a practice test in a timed condition every week?
Certainly you can take it again. The 29 in math is low if you are in AP Calc. I think you need practice, practice, practice. However, do not forget to study for the other sections too. My DS went from a 33 to a 34. While his math and science went up, english and reading went down. UGH. Superscore is now a 35, but very few schools superscore.
My daughter took the ACT twice. 31 and 33 were her scores.
The first time with about 20 days of prep and the second time with hard core prep using many prep books. We used a tutor for a while but we weren’t convinced it was very helpful ( probably 4-5 sessions and the tutor mainly just went over questions with her). So we decided to do the rest without more tutoring and she just went over her mistakes herself.
At this point she will be taking the test one more time ( she has to as it is a mandatory testing date in March through school) and I am wondering what would be the best approach. She needs to get a a lit bit faster on reading cause if she gets a tougher passage she can end up taking more time and then has to guess on the last 3 questions . She does very well on English (36) ,Math she finds the last couple questions harder but fairly ok. In science, she can struggle for time sometimes.(32). For her second attempt, she did literally thousands of questions from various test prep books and old released papers so I don’t think that approach will help.
Any suggestions for a tutor who can really do targeted prep with her to overcome her shortcomings?
Thanks!