GPA and ACT score don't match up

I’ve taken the SAT twice before and scored below the national average so don’t tell me that I should consider it over the ACT. On the other hand I took the ACT this June for the first time and scores above the national average which made me feel like the ACT is for me.

Composite score: 22
English: 22
Math: 27
Reading: 17
Science: 23

Weighted GPA: 4.8
Unweighted GPA: 3.8
Top 3% of my class

Yes I know my GPA and ACT score don’t match up but I signed up for the ACT in september so I can hopefully improve my score. I take rigorous classes (will have taken 7 AP classes by the time of graduation) so I don’t see how I’m scoring so low. Can you guys offer me advice? Do you think I have a chance at schools like Georgia Tech or University of Central Florida with scores like that considering the GPA?

Have you studied for the tests? You can clearly study for school, so if you didn’t study that’s probably why. Hit the books!

@sprights I did study but not that much. I do have the official book for the ACT so I’ll try to look more into it

I’m sure if you look at it more you can bring it up by a lot. When i first took the PSAT, I did it with no studying beforehand and my score reflected it. When I studied a bit, it rose almost 300 points.

@sprights thanks for inspiration!

Practice taking timed tests. If you get close to the end of the time, just finish filling in the bubbles. You’ll have a 25% chance of getting each question right rather than 0% chance if you leave it blank. You are not penalized for incorrect answers on the ACT like you are on the SAT.

@carolinamom2boys I believe they are eliminating the penalty for wrong answered on the new SAT

I’ve never even heard of anyone getting a 22

@Madeline25
Thanks for letting me know that. I have a Freshman as well so that’s good information .

Have you considered any test-optional colleges?