Hi I don’t want to hijack another thread.
I scored a 30C (30E, 32M, 28R, and 31S)
And a 31C (34E, 35M, 28R, 27S)
I’ve read somewhere that taking the ACT more than two times is undesireable, but I really feel like I can improve on my reading and science sections so my score is good enough for Stanford, MIT, etc. I plan on registering for the December ACT and the deadline is tomorrow so please help me decide if it’s worth taking again.
Also, FWIW, I’m in math club, science club, and I play volleyball. I live in Nevada so I will also have the opportunity to take the ACT for free in February (I believe). Should I wait till then so that I have more time to study? Or should I take both the December and February tests?
If you want to go to Stanford or MIT, yes. Take the test again.
take December and February, prepare for the tests…BTW, your superscore is 32, but I think a lot of the colleges do not superscore in particular in determining merit scholarships.
“taking the ACT more than two times is undesireable”
Apparently you have never that you can permanently delete any scores from National Test dates.
Furthermore, many schools don’t require all your scores. So as far as those schools are concerned, you can take the ACT 3, 4, 5, 6 times. Just send them your highest scores.
Advice: “I read somewhere…” is a horrible way to make decisions.
Call schools directly to get specific answers.
If you have the motivation, take the test one more time and focus your prep on Reading and Science - your weakest areas. I’m no ACT expert but a quick Google search can help you find the best ways to prepare for those sections.
Good luck!
IMO it’s okay to take it more than twice, especially with those schools you’re thinking of. Having a higher score would look better. Just make sure to study hard next time you take it. Also, make sure to check the score policies of the schools you’re looking at. It’s possible that they don’t require you to send all your scores anyway.
You can always delete a score that does not improve your composite or subscores - absolutely retest a couple more times with serious prep inbetween. Good Luck!
I don’t understand why people always say it’s a bad thing to take the ACT multiple times. I saw my score gradually increase over time. In retrospect, it was definitely worth the trouble
My son took it 3 times. 2 times as Jr where scored the same. 1 time as a senior and he did several points better and he didn’t really prepare that much for it. He just said he felt the test was easier. Could have been. Could also be the fact he was more relaxed, no pressure as his previous 2 scores were OK. He was also 6 months more mature.
When he took the 2nd test he really studied for it. But he said the questions were very difficult. 3rd time, way easier.
I don’t see a reason not to take it unless you are applying to a school that asks for all of your results and you are not confident that you will do the same or better than last time.
Good luck
^^keep in mind, students can request deleting results in ACT
Thank you to everyone who answered. I took the SAT this November (hopefully I did well!) and I signed up for the ACT in December. I will likely take it again in February (for free, school district requirement) if I’m still not satisfied with my scores, but I’d like to focus on extracurriculars and have some fun too. I’m studying hard so thanks again!
It’s definitely worth it. For me:
First time - 29C
Second time - 32C
Third time - 35C
You can do it if you really study. Good luck.
@oneandonlyx
Do you have any tips to offer for reading?
@tt8082 - read the questions first before reading the prompt. Might help with shortening the time taken and finding the right answer. And remember, there is only one correct answer for every question, so look for the correct answer, rather than trying to eliminate.
Sure. My biggest issue was the time, so after my second ACT I took passages individually and timed myself for 8 mins, 45 seconds. That really helped me get used to time. Also make sure that you read actively & make sure your answer is backed up in the passage. Otherwise, your answer is definitely wrong. If they give you a specific excerpt to go back & read, make sure you read it and the context surrounding it. After you take tests, write why you got an answer wrong next to the questions you got wrong, and make sure you don’t make those mistakes again. I did all of this and got a 36 in reading on my last test. Good luck!!