I took the ACT for the first time April 9th and just got my score back today. I chose not to get a tutor (it’s very common in my school to get one for both the ACTs and SATs) as I just wanted to get an idea of the test, and then get a tutor afterward if need be and take it again. I didn’t study at all aside from completing 15 practice questions the night before for each section, and I’m sure if I actually practiced I could probably raise my score a bit. I received a 30 on reading and 28 on English, but my downfall was math with a 21. Math has always been my weak point and I constantly struggle with it.
I have an overall GPA of 3.4/3.5 with the 26 on the ACT. I won’t be taking the SAT, but I’m trying to figure out whether or not I should take the ACT again. I’m not necessarily trying to go Ivy, but is it worth taking again? Or should I just be satisfied with a 26?
I would recommend taking it again. Statistics say that around 50% of people who retake the test score higher the second time. If you are taking it again, definitely put in the time to study. You don’t necessarily need to get a tutor, but I would recommend getting a prep book and using online study tools like Number2 test prep and some of the free ACT study guides. Formulate a study plan, focusing on the areas that you need the extra help on. If you put in the time, I think you have a very good shot of increasing your score. Good luck!
No, 26 is NOT low. It is 83%, which is actually pretty good.
But, since you mention “not necessarily trying to go Ivy”-- 26 is too low for elite schools. Agree that you should try it again with some prep, as a higher score could open up more options.
26 is below average for alot of high achieving high schools. Definitely not good. The magic numbers for the ACT are 30, 32 and 34. The OP should shoot for more.
How good any score is will be very dependent on what schools you’re looking at. I’d suggest going to the Princeton Review site (or similar) and look at the 25% to 75% ACT ranges for schools you’re interested in. See where you fit in.
At a presentation at my D’s school, they recommended (based on studies they’d looked at) that kids take both the ACT and the SAT and take each test three times (unless you have stellar scores before the third time of course). Scores tend to go up each time, but after three you probably won’t go up much further.
Is there a reason you don’t plan to take the SAT? Plenty of kids do much better on one test than the other.
If the schools you’re interested in are out of your range, I’d recommend a math tutor at least. If you’re anywhere near a college you can probably find a good tutor who will be cheaper than the professional ACT/SAT tutors.
What schools interest you? That score is fine for some schools and will even qualify you for a scholarship while other schools would not consider that score.
Many students on CC are aiming for top schools so it is low in their eyes, but it is fine for many schools.
@snoozn - Taking 6 standardized tests is craziness. Don’t students at your school have anything better to do? My son goes to a prep school that sends lots of kids to elite schools. They recommend taking each test once and repeating the one they do best on a second time to improve their score (if necessary).
As far as the OP is concerned 26 isn’t bad for someone who did no test preparation. I bet if the OP does some prep for the score will improve substantially. Whether 26 is a good score depends on what schools you are interested in attending.
I’d recommend testing again after prepping, because a 27 'unlocks ’ scholarships a 26 doesn’t, and it’s quite doable.
Beside the 25-75 spread (being close to the 75 number makes the school a match, being close to the 25 makes it a reach, being above the 75 makes it a likely) look at what percentage got 30+, what percentage got 24-29, and what percentage got less.
As to what it’s worth :
It’s a strong score for Texas State or Lycoming. It’s a low score for Skidmore or St Olaf. It won’t prevent you from getting into Penn State or UOregon.
Now that you have taken the official test, you have experience and information on what you need to improve on. Is it a matter of timing? Of confidence? Perhaps you didn’t know that one question about geometric series. Standardized tests like the ACT are more about recognizing your weaknesses than blunt memorization. Instead of hiring a tutor, drill with practice tests on subjects you feel iffy about.
I would recommend taking the test again , after some times practice tests, to try and increase your score to a 28. 28 was the magic number for merit scholarships which could help finance your education.
**“Good” is relative. ** Look individually at each school’s 25th-75th percentile test score range for admitted students, and see how your score compares. 26 ACT may be low for one school (i.e. ultra selective schools), but just fine for another.
You should try to retake it. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting scholarships and gaining admittance. To be competitive at the Ivy level, you’ll need at least a 34.
@Proudpatriot Not everyone has the opportunity to go to a fancy prep school like your kids, so saying something like kids at OP’s school “have nothing better to do” is downright rude and uncalled for. Obviously, elite colleges have more of an affinity to elite high schools, so the playing field isn’t even here.
I don’t think any students should be wasting time taking SIX sittings of standardized tests. It has nothing to do with going to a fancy prep school and everything to do with ALL students having better things to do with their time than to sit for endless standardized tests. I do not see endless test preparation as a good use of student time.
I’m so sorry that my words made you feel bad. That was not my intention.