So I took the ACT twice; the first time I got a 30, the second time I got 32, which isn’t that much different. My goal was a 34 but it’s too late to try again because UC apps are almost due and even if I retook it, I can’t send my score by december. With this ACT score, what college can I get into??? I have a 3.81 UC GPA and a good amount of ECs.
I would still apply to the UCs. Their average is about a 32, which doesn’t necessarily hurt you. Just make sure the other areas of your app are strong, your essays especially. You might be surprised. A 30 to a 32 definitely is different. A 30 puts you in the 94th percentile nationally, whereas a 32 puts you in the 97th percentile. I wouldn’t worry, again just make sure the other areas of your app are strong too 
Thanks haha I’m gonna try to take the ACT again and maybe get a better score…hopefully my essays are good enough. Thanks though!!
If you are going for UCs, i don’t see the point of retaking. If other areas of your application are strong^^, you should be fine!
I mean i tried really hard on my essays but I honestly don Know how it’s gonna come off. And my gpa isn’t that high haha
For the UC’s, GPA is king so even raising your ACT to a 34 score will not makeup for the lower than average UC GPA of 3.8. I would focus on your essays which are more important than trying to take the ACT again.
There is a difference from being below the 5th percentile to being above. I agree with gumbymom - focus on essays
For UCs test scores don’t matter much. Focus on your essays and apply to reasonable UCs (hopefully you realize that UCLA/UCB aren’t in the cards).