Hi All,
So I took the December ACT and scored the following:
34 English 11W
33 Math
36 Reading
36 Science
I am hoping to major in Physics, but for some reason flubbed on the math a little bit. Should I retake if I want to apply to schools like MIT or Harvey Mudd? If I get a good SAT Math 2 score, will that be sufficient to show my aptitude in math? I would love to take as few tests as possible 
Sorry but your ridiculous! A 33 is your lowest sub-score and your worrying⊠just saying.
Sorry, I donât really know much about the test or scoresâŠjust wanted to get a feel for it. Specifically MITs website put a 33 math below the 25th percentile. I donât want to let my scores define me, but Iâve heard that they are my âfoot in the doorâ⊠trying to see if this foot is big enough.
I do not see any need to retake. Take the SAT Math 2. Spend time working on the parts of your application.
So your composite was a 35? thatâs fine. You have to take the Math subject test anyways, so if you get over a 770 on that youâre fine. At least thatâs what they told us. If you have the Money and want to retake, go ahead, ACT is one that you usually do better on the second time (at least all my kids did). BUT, not necessary.
I donât think a 33 on math is a huge disadvantage, even for MIT (my SAT reading score was well below 25%ile). If you get an 800 on the math subject test, you should be fine. MIT and many other top schools donât really place much weight on standardized tests, provided you score decently enough.
Iâm assuming youâre a junior currently so you have a lot of time. Improving your ACT math isnât hard. Complete your SAT subject tests first and then rewrite ACT in September. Remember MIT admits less than 9% applicants, you donât want something like ACT math bringing your application down.