I took the ACT for the first time in June and I got a 32 composite. I would love to attend one of the following schools:
Williams
Bowdoin
Amherst
Middlebury
Carleton
Hamilton
Colgate
Colby
My extracurricular activities aren’t weak, nor are they spectacular. I am first generation, and I am Hispanic (if that matters).
I am trying to decide whether I should retake the ACT for a 33 or whether I should put my time and energy to take one SAT II test (chemistry). Which would be more beneficial? A 33 ACT with no SAT IIs? Or a 32 ACT with a 700+ SAT II?
You should attempt the ACT again, many people increase their scores +2 or more between the first and second test just with a little more practice and going over your weaknesses. I would highly advise you take the ACT again because if that is your first test I can really see you getting a 33 or 34 on the second. First ACT I scored a 31 and second test I got a 33 just because I was relaxed and knew the test better. Plus, think about it, a 32 is 98% national, one point increase and you’re in the 99% percentile. Best of luck. 
I concur – you should take the ACT again. Use an ACT study guide and take the practice tests. BTW, another poster stated that Williams no longer requires applicants to submit the SAT II as of this application cycle – it had been among the last holdouts to have that SAT II requirement.
@aeskimo @MinnesotaDadof3 - Thanks for the replies! I sure hope I can bring it up.
If for some reason I can’t bring my ACT score up to a 33+, is a 32 still safe (not hurt my chances)?
Those colleges don’t just look at composite. It matters what you scored in the sub parts most related to your possible major. So don’t just make the decision based on composite.
@SnowGreen A 32 is a great score for those colleges
a 32 is not a great score for those schools. It will not keep you out but it will not help to get you in.
I must be the only one here who doesn’t think a 32 is bad at all! Those are reputable - not unattainable - colleges. And as everyone else here knows, scores are a tiny fraction of all that colleges consider.
You’re a Latino boy (or are you Latina girl?) from Texas with a 32 who has been invited to Williams. You are very competitive for all those schools, but I hope you have a safety just in case.
Google “Common Data Set <>”.
Section C will list the school’s 25th-75th percentile scores.
For the most selective tier of schools, a 32 ACT is probably near the high end of the 25th-75th percentile range-- a solid score, but not mind-blowingly amazing.