<p>I thought I would at least get a 29 on my first time ACT since i did a few practice tests that gave me that score..... so I went ahead and sent my ACT scores to the UC's and a calstate during registration thinking my score could possibly make up for my 1860 SAT score (which i also sent to the colleges) , but I ACTUALLY DID MUCH WORSE. My heart immediately sank when I saw that I got a 24 composite ACT score. :( I feel like this is such a big downfall. Will the colleges reject me for this? I know some say that they will only look at the highest scores, but this score is so bad that I'm afraid they'll look at me in a different light due to my horrible score.</p>
<p>I’m having the same problem 
I actually don’t know my score yet but I’m really worried about it…
If the rest of your application is strong, then they might overlook your score. One test on a Saturday morning is not a clear depiction of your intellect nor should it be such a major factor that’ll absolutely alter your life and future. </p>
<p>Wait and see what happens, it’s not the end of the world :)</p>
<p>Are you a junior? If so then there’s always another chance :)</p>
<p>I wish I was still a junior, but sadly, I’m a senior already. ): That was the last chance for me. Oh gosh… I don’t know how i’m going to tell my parents about this score. Everyone in my family thinks I did well on the ACT too… If this score causes me to get rejected, I’m going to shoot myself. JKJKJK, but still… ;’(</p>
<p>The rest of my application isn’t that strong either, but I don’t think it’s weak. I do think that my accumulative GPA is a 4.2 though, which is pretty good enough to me already. I also have quite good SAT subject test scores too… but one other thing that also worries me is my personal statement. D: I really intended for this ACT score to strengthen my application too… but I bet this is going to negatively impact it instead. Also, considering the fact that everyone seems so competitive here on CollegeConfidential makes me seem like I’ll get rejected. Oh gosh. I wish i didn’t send my scores during registration!!! </p>
<p>But thanks JME, for letting me know that I’m not alone in this situation. :)</p>
<p>I got a 24 composite, and was pleasantly surprised. I am sorry that a 24 to you is considered horrible.</p>
<p>My ACT score is also lower than my top schools’ medium scores, but just put your all into the essays. That’s the only thing that we can change. If you are a passionate and brilliant person, they will notice it 
Good luck! And don’t let that score prevent you from applying anywhere.</p>
<p>I’m a high school graduate so this was my last chance too! :(</p>
<p>I know what you mean, everyone here is talking about retaking a 34!! I mean if I got a 34 on the ACT I would be absolutely over the moon… I’d even be okay with a 26 … </p>
<p>But like I said before, this silly exam is not a measurement of how smart you are. Will it make some kind of difference? Yes. Will it kill your application? NOOOOO </p>
<p>Maybe there’s still hope for us yet!</p>
<p>The next test can be taken February 11th, so why would December be a senior’s last chance?</p>
<p>^ Most colleges do not consider SAT and ACT scores taken after December.</p>
<p>@OP</p>
<p>I’m sorry that you feel this way, your not the only one who’s been struggling with standardize tests. The February date for the next ACT is most likely too late, but for most schools the January SAT isn’t! Nearly 90% of the schools on my list accept them. You just have to find out from each individual school usually by checking out the testing policies on their websites. My scores aren’t the best at all, but I’ve come to realize that my scores should not stop me from applying. January is my last time to shine and I’m trying to do everything within my power to boost my scores. Keep your head up and remember, scores aren’t everything! Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks guys… unfortunately, none of the schools i’m applying to take scores taken after december. So that was really the last chance for me. And i admit that i screwed it up. <em>sigh</em> but thanks for the encouragement everybody! I hope all of you out there that are struggling with scores like me will get into your dream schools with the rest of your applications!</p>
<p>
Don’t worry, UCs only look at your highest score. Actually they don’t even look at your scores because they convert your score into a UC index. It will unlikely affect your chances because people have bad days and it’s life and they won’t even see the ACT score anyway.</p>
<p>[edit]
Yay, i’m happy for you that it didn’t even get sent as a december score</p>
<p>Hey, don’t fret. I got a 24 my first time as well, and I’m in AP Calc, AP Lit, and i passed AP World. I retook it and got a 27, but the 24 was on my transcripts and i got accepted to somewhat decent universities just fine. </p>
<p>Applying to the University of Michigan with a 27 now… </p>
<p>But that’s dumb that you can’t take February’s . Oakland University out here in Michigan actually ENCOURAGED me to take it and try for a 31 and a full ride.</p>
<p>If anyone else is in this situation in the future, here’s a website which has a list of potential college matches for any ACT score.</p>
<p>[Score</a> of 24 on the ACT, colleges you can get into with a ACT score of 24](<a href=“http://www.collegesimply.com/guides/24-on-the-act/]Score”>http://www.collegesimply.com/guides/24-on-the-act/)</p>
Oh trust me- I know how you feel. I am a straight-A student, took the most rigorous courses available to me- and I ended up getting a 22!!! On my first try at the ACT…so very discouraging. But, Im not giving up and I am still aiming for a 31+! Working hard and really thinking I can get there.
@happyberry do not despair. Take the December test and prep for it as much as you can. Anyone can have a bad day.
Relax. You’re pretty solidly in the lower half of enrolled students at a number of the UCs.
This thread is pretty old…
If you take december’s you can get the scores before RD time.
As intparent points out, #happyberry is probably a college sophomore by now. I did a little cc archeology and his story has a happy ending, he was a spring 2014 admit to UC berkley!
Ha Ha. Berkeley with a “horrible” ACT score.