I have taken the ACT 3 times, getting a 30, 31, and a 30. The last time I took it, I got a 30 because I completely messed up my time usage on the science section. If I would have scored like the past two times on my sciences section, I would have received a 32. I do not know if retaking and restudying is worth my time to improve by one more point (goal 32). The next test date would be during my cross country season and I would have to miss a meet. Is there a big difference between a 31 and a 32? Is it worth my time to study? Please help!
It would depend on the college and whether you are trying for merit aid. Google Common Data Set and look at section C to see how you compare to the percentile of different ACT scores. If interested in Merit aid, look on the school’s Financial Aid web site and see if there are cutoffs.
Also consider trying a practice test of the the SAT to see whether you perform better with that format. There are free practice tests online (the same eight ones) at College Board and at Khan Academy. Some kids find they perform much better on one type of test (SAT or ACT) than on the other.