My ACT score isn't all it's cracked up to be. Help?

Applying to College
1

<p>So I have a composite score of 28 on the ACT. I know that for a lot of you CC users, that sounds low, but it's actually pretty good for all of the colleges I'm considering. However, I think my composite score masks something a lot worse. These are my individual scores: </p>

<p>English: 34
Math: 21
Reading: 33
Science: 23 </p>

<p>I KNOW. Completely inconsistent. I've taken the ACT three times, and I'm already a senior who is submitting apps so I won't be taking any more tests, after all I prepped for science and math all summer and yielded no results. :( I'm obviously not a moron by my English and reading scores, and I do really well academically, but what will colleges think about me since my scores are so uneven? And since I have such low scores in science and math? My composite is in the mid-50 or even above for almost every school I'm applying to.
What should I do? Will this hurt me a lot?</p>

2

<p>I wish I could help. My only question is, are you applying as a science or math major? If you’re not, I don’t think it will be too bad.</p>

3

<p>If your composite score qualifies you for the schools you are interested in, I wouldn’t stress it. Like you said, you took it 3 times. You are already sending in applications. Focus on your essays and your senior grades and try not to worry to much about the math and science score.</p>

4

<p>Clearly you have a math block, but if you’re not going that route and your scores are good for the schools you’re applying to, I wouldn’t sweat it. Your English and reading scores will clearly impress them.</p>

<p>You are what you are, and there’s not much you can do to change it. A college who likes your scores will accept you, you clearly have talent in the English section of things. It will work out just fine.</p>

5

<p>I’m planning on a political science or English major. I’m ranked in the top ten of my class, and my biggest reach is UNC Chapel Hill EA as an instate student. Thank you guys for your input!</p>

6

<p>You’d be doomed as an OOS to UNC, but in-state, you’ve got a shot.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

7

<p>Thanks! I am instate.</p>

8

<p>I know you said no new testa but the SAT seema like its better for you.</p>

9

<p>The thing is, I’ve taken the SAT and did waaayy worse in comparison to my ACT score. :(</p>

10

<p>Don’t worry about it anymore – as long as you aren’t intending on applying to a math/engg school… if your composite score is within the median range for the schools you are applying to you should be fine. Especially with your ranking (and the fact that you aren’t going to take any more tests so it really can’t be worried about right now). One thing you should do is make sure that you have included one or two schools for which your ACT score is HIGHER than their average and that they accept let’s say 35%-40% or more of their students. But make sure these schools are ones that you would be happy at. As long as you have 1-2 “likelies” that you would be content to attend, everything else is icing on the cake…</p>