<p>I retook a 35 to bump up a 32 in Science (we’ll see how that plays out in a week), but, honestly, I doubt you need to retake just to improve the subsection. I know several people who have scored a 35 or 36 in the section, and over half aren’t any better than I at science; I’m sure admissions officers would acknowledge the brutal curve and background bias (knowing too much about a subject can hurt you if you aren’t careful). As a few of my teachers have said, it isn’t “real science; it’s stamina,” and any detailed overview of your application would probably overlook a bad section with your great score.</p>
<p>Now, if you want to retake for personal satisfaction, I’d say go for it. A 35 and 36 may be identical on paper (missing a question or two more doesn’t necessarily mean you’re any worse), but a 36 is probably much more satisfying than a 35. If you WANT to retake the test, you’ll prepare much better than if you merely want to improve a single portion (focus may slip overall, etc.). Just remember that you can reflect your interests in science through more than perfect execution on any given day; you can always write a research paper or two, volunteer at a hospital, or even take some SAT Subject Tests.</p>
<p>First off, congratulations on your score! :)</p>
<p>Now, to answer your question, a 35 and a 36 will be regarded as the same everywhere - as great scores. Standardized test scores mean so little in the admissions process at highly selective schools because almost everyone has high scores. I actually got a 36 on my ACT, but when I was applying to colleges as a freshman last year I was only admitted to one of the eight schools to which I applied. While part of this outcome may have simply been a case of bad luck, part of it was that I definitely applied to more reaches than I should have and not as many safeties as I should have. Looking back, I actually think my ACT score contributed to a false sense of confidence regarding my admissions chances. Just keep in mind that 1. your ACT score could earn you some guaranteed merit aid at some great schools, and 2. your application to highly selective schools will be evaluated in the context of forming an “ideal” or “diverse” class, not a class solely filled with those who can ace (or nearly ace) standardized tests.</p>
<p>If you have good AP/SAT 2 Biology & good grades in relevant classes I wouldn’t worry about a relatively lower score on the science portion of the ACT relative to the others.</p>
<p>It really just depends on why you want to raise your score. For college admissions, there really is no reason to try to get a higher score than you have…but if perfection is important to you, then you’ve got nothing to lose but $ and your time…
But I really do not feel that getting a 36 would give you much of an extra edge for admissions…</p>
<p>It won’t hurt to take it again. Yes, your score is amazing, but if you think you can top it, why not try it again?</p>
<p>I decided to take it, but I don’t feel like I did as well overall. Oh well, I’ll find out for sure tomorrow 
Anyways, I got an 800 on the Chemistry and Bio M SAT IIs, so I think that will show that I’m strong in science. Thanks for all the replies!</p>
are you kidding me? I only achieved a 35 in English