<p>Something terrible has happened. I have come to the conclusion that I have VERY HIGH test anxiety. My knees literally buckle when I am taking the SAT or the ACT. I sweat and shake and I get nervous, and I cant concentrate. </p>
<p>This might very well have jeopardized my applications. It's sad really. I have over a 4.5 weighted GPA, and 3.8 unweighted. I have taken the most rigorous AP classes my senior year. But because of my standardized test scores, I am going to have a significant disadvantage.</p>
<p>Here's the thing:
I first took the ACT cold and got a 28 in June 2009.
Second time: I studied for about 8 hours w/Princeton Review and got 26 on October 2009. :(
Third time: December 2009. This test experience was even worse. I seriously think I got around 24. I was not able to finish the English section at all this time and guessed on many many math questions. I studied this time w/Princeton Review also.</p>
<p>What is happening?!!??! Either I am just really stupid or I suck at test taking.</p>
<p>So I looked over some colleges' websites and some of them recommend that you send in scores of whatever new test you take.</p>
<p>So what I was thinking is: What if I study HARDCORE in winter break, and take the February ACT, and give it a one last shot? Then I could maybe get a 30 or so and send the scores of that.</p>
<p>Will this strategy work? Maybe they will consider this new better score over the old bad scores?</p>
<p>At this point in the game, stick with the ACT of 28. It’s time now to focus on your college list of matches and safeties and getting the applications completed and submitted.</p>
<p>Well the thing is, the applications are due by Jan 1-3. I only have 4 left, and I will be free after that for the rest of January. I’m thinking that I can use that whole month to my advantage, and even if I get a bad score (which will be unlikely this time hopefully), I dont have to send it.</p>
<p>Another major reason I got low score on these tests, I believe, is because I did not have time to study. I was in such a rush to keep my grades up and get the other 10 college apps ready, writing essays and filling out that darned CSS, that I didn’t have enough time.</p>
<p>My belief is, maybe this time if I study hard and long enough, I will walk into the test more confident, and thus will have less anxiety and maybe get a good score. Am I wrong?</p>
<p>I agree with nysmile. It bothers adcoms when applicants take an ACT/SAT too many times. Taking a test three times is about the maximum. If you feel compelled to try again, take the SAT.</p>
<p>I would try the SAT if you really think your score can improve. Statistically, your score on the ACT will not improve after the second/third/fourth time. Stick with the 28 or try the SAT.</p>