<p>Hi, Did really poorly on my ACT. It was my first time taking it, and it was my last time. I didn't study at all and the timing was killing me. Guess what I got? A 19!!!!! I know people who took it their first time and got 30s. I'am thinking of giving up on college and just going to community college for two years. I don't know why I do bad on the SATs and I can't figure out why I can't do well on the ACT either. I know I am not getting into Baylor or TCU with that score. I took all AP classes and I got Bs and Cs in all of them. I am right outside the 25% of my class. I have pretty strong ECs but I'm not counting on getting in with those scores. Is there a chance? A glimmer of hope? Or am I dead meat? I have no clue why am bad at these tests. I truly believe I am ready for college, but these tests prove otherwise. </p>
<p>Sorry I couldn’t see what I was typing half the time. </p>
<p>Are my standardize tests going to keep me out of college? Or will schools just overlook them because they are that bad</p>
<p>Have you done any preparation? There have been loads of stories here about how people raised their scores quite a bit by intensive study and reading for a few months. Why don’t you search for how to raise scores? You can do this! Just focus, go through a practice book every day for 30 minutes or an hour and take the test a few months from now. Read a lot of books. Regularly practice online. Practice testing at a table with a timer. </p>
<p>You may never get a 35 or 36, but YOU CAN DO THIS. Do not give up. It might even make a great story someday about your perseverance! </p>
<p>I fear that it is too late my friend. I am a senior who took it the last minute. 0 preparation. Thanks for the reply! If I get into either Baylor or TCU I will persevere there! </p>
<p>For TCU you can take up to the Feb ACT. And once school starts. you need to make an appt w/your GC and speak through your options. You get no sympathy here – the options were in front of you all along and talking about how you’re “dead meat” on Dec 31st doesn’t move me. Community college might be a very good option for you. For many thousands and thousands, it is a great choice.</p>
<p>Ok so if I do take it, all I have to do is update my app with the score? What if I just don’t send in a ACT score? Will that hurt me?</p>
<p>they won’t evaluate you without either the SAT or ACT. It’s a requirement.</p>
<p>Look into test optional schools. Your decent GPA and extracurriculars will help you get in without standardized test scores.
<a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional</a></p>
<p>I sent in my SAT so I need the ACT to?</p>
<p>And can you send me a link to TCU taking the ACT for the Feb. test? </p>
<p>Not for most schools. Some really selective ones (Stanford, etc) require all scores. </p>
<p>Waited until the last minute and then didn’t even study? Perhaps if you are serious about TCU you take the advice of @T26E4 advice to heart and actually prepare for the February examination.</p>
<p>What prep do you recommend? Questions everyday? Timed sections? 30 minutes of practice?</p>
<p>Oh and I’ve already sent in my TCU app. </p>
<p>What was your SAT score?</p>
<p>My parents spent few thousands on SAT courses, and I barely broke a 2000. When I took the ACT for the first time, I got a 30, which was about equivalent to my SAT. Having set my eyes on some elite institutions, I knew I would never make it with that score.</p>
<p>I studied my butt of this past summer, taking a full length simulation exam every single day (sometimes two), and I retook the ACT this past September. </p>
<p>I got a whooping 35. I would have been ecstatic had I gotten a 34, heck 33 even. </p>
<p>Don’t give up and give your very best. Only you know if you really tried your best. </p>
<p>It’s better than the SAT equivalent of a 19 on the ACT but barley. I got a 1420. I know It was bad as well. That’s why I’m here asking if these tests will be the cataclysmic to my applications. Baylor gave me select status because they thought I would be a good fit because of my PSAT scores. So I don’t know what to make of that </p>
<p>Thanks, I want to but I think it’s to late. I need to confirm with TCU about taking the Feb. ACT. I sent in my application for the early decision II application. </p>
<p>TCU said they have no preference for which test to send in. I think I’ll just send my SAT score, hopefully my other credentials will get me in. My friend has a similar class rank but with better SATs and he got in. We’ll see I’m not holding out but it’s better than sending in that 19. Thanks for the help guys, the next standard test I’m taking is the MCAT in 5 years and I’ll be sure I prepare for that with the most rigor and determinations. I’ve learned from high school to never slack on these standardized tests. Wish me luck, thanks guys!</p>