Maximum times to re-take the ACT?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>I'm not sure this question was addressed already, but I have an issue regarding re-taking standardized tests. I understand that Admissions officers only look at the highest scores after re-taking the ACT exam, but since they will be able to see ALL my scores on my high-school transcript, would it hinder my chances of getting accepted into a top school (even slightly) if I were to take the ACT exam three times?</p>

<p>Specifically speaking, I've taken the ACT test twice already in my junior year and am planning on taking it once more in my senior year. The first time, I recieved a composite score of 30. I'm still awaiting my second score.</p>

<p>The schools I'm applying for are highly selective, so would a third attempt be weighted negatively relative to other applicants who've taken the exam fewer times, even if I show significant improvement on my third attempt?</p>

<p>Here are the schools I'm thinking of shooting for:
*Yale
*Princeton
*Washington University in St.Louis
*Northwestern University
*Johns Hopkins University
*University of Michigan - Ann Arbor</p>

<p>Anyone taken the exam more than two times and gotten into one of the universities above (or into another university that is equally or slightly less selective)? In general, is it unlikely to get into a good college that way?</p>

<p>A helpful answer would be appreciated, please! :-)</p>

2

<p>With the ACT, you get to select which score you send and colleges will only see that score. So, if you feel you must, you can take the test again.</p>

3

<p>But what about my transcript? Won't the colleges I'm applying for see ALL my scores on the transcript?</p>

4

<p>No, they only see the score or scores you decide to send.</p>

5

<p>Actually, she's right. Many high schools print every standardized test you've taken in your high-school career on your transcript. So, deciding not to send them your bad score is pretty redundant because they're going to see it anyway on your transcript. They basically look at all your scores and pick the highest.</p>

<p>I dunno about taking it three times though........ might call for a second opinion. I only took it once.</p>

6

<p>I might be mistaken, but isn't there an option where you can choose to withhold the score from your high school as well?</p>

7

<p>I believe that there is an option to withhold score report from High-school; just dont report your school's code on the application and then if you want to send to them, you have to pay a little extra, but the power is in your hands not some incompetent beeep.</p>

8

<p>Actually, I have heard of this situation where college counselors hurt students' chances of admission this way.</p>

<p>But my experience is that the schools only consider the highest SAT/ACT anyway, and only the assistant will really see those scores.</p>

9

<p>Drat. I've sent both my scores to my school and they're already on my transcript :-(</p>

<p>Well, I'm taking your word for it Chris_C! I hope they do consider the highest score instead of the number of times I've taken the exam. I mean, I don't think three times is so overwhelmingly huge...</p>