I just got back my results for the ACT and got a composite score of 33, broken down into:
English: 34
Math: 36
Reading: 32
Science: 30
English + Writing: 31 (8 on Essay)
I was wondering if I should retake it or not. I am planning to aim for top-notch universities (Ivies, Stanford, Caltech, MIT, Johns Hopkins, etc.). I am planning on studying engineering (probably BE or BME). Ohh, and I’m currently a junior at my high school.
Preparation-wise, I did half a practice test the day before I took the ACT (I did the english, math, and science sections).
Should I take this test again?
33 is a very good minimally prepared first attempt, but a second try with better preparation seems reasonable. 33 puts you in the middle 50% of scores at the schools you list. Buying the Red Book, spending a few afternoons focusing on Science and Reading sections and taking the test one more time doesn’t seem like too big of an investment in to something that could reasonably get you into the 35 range which would put you in the top 25% of scores for the schools you list. Good luck.
I would take it again. I got a 33 first time, and took it twice more for a 35 (studying using 5 or 6 practice tests) and in retrospect, I think it was well worth my time.
Considering that you really didn’t prep much, I’d retake it. I’m a senior, and I regret not studying hard for the SAT. I settled with my first score, which was strong, but I can’t help but wonder how well I’d have done if I had really studied.
Retake since this was your first attempt, even if just for a better superscore. But a 33 will absolutely in no way keep you out of any college, a 33 is a great score. Also, put some effort into studying for the SAT2 subject tests as they can make a difference at the top schools.
@lr4550
I’ve already taken some SAT Subject Tests and gotten these scores:
Biology (e) = 620
Biology (m) = 740
Math 1 = 700 (Note: I took this one in 9th grade along with Biology E)
Math 2 = 600 (I know I did horrible)
I will be taking the Chemistry, Lit, and French SAT Subject Tests in May or June.
And I will retake math 2 (and probably math 1) and take the Physics subject test as well.
Also, I got a 2070 (CR=710, M=760, W=600) on the SAT; however, I am planning on taking it again.
Do AP scores play an important role in college admissions?
Don’t retake it. It would be a waste of money. Focus on your school work. You are already more than qualified. You aren’t going to get rejected because you got a 33 instead of a 35. That’s the equivalent of a 2210 on the SAT.
Your SAT II scores are not very competitive for Top 20 Universities. If you can study for both SAT II’s and ACT retake then do both, otherwise keep the ACT and retake SAT II’s. I would only retake Maths II and Biology (anyone). No need to take 2 maths and 2 bio tests. Also don’t let that GPA drop.
@sanwal
Is 740 on the Biology (m) really that bad? I wasn’t planning on taking that one again, although I will take both Chemistry and Physics Subject Tests. And of course I’ll retake the Math 2 SAT II.
Should I plan for retaking the Biology SAT II?
I would not retake the biology. You are likely to score worse. It really helps to be freshly out of the class. You likely will want 1 science and the Math II. Taking the Chem & Physics will give you one. You get what you get, but truly, a 780 would allow you to breathe easier. the crowding at the top of SAT II scores is pretty insane.
I would pay $300 for a modular on-line study course and pick a test. You seem to do better with the ACT, so maybe choose that. Study 40 - 60 hours aggregate with an on-line course over the summer and retake the ACT at the first sitting in the fall.
Your 33 is really fine, and if you just received it in October of your senior year, I would quit. As it is, I would take it once more (not any more than that) and be done. You have the chance to be more over-the-top, and if you can fit in studying, why not?
Don’t retake the bio M because it is a perfectly acceptable score. Since you want to apply as an engineering major I would put the most emphasis on preparing for math level 2; Dr. Chung’s math2 is an excellent resource. You are clearly good in math, and with a little prep you should be able to get a good math 2 score. Finally, you probably don’t need to take both chem and physics- and likewise you probably don’t have to take both french and Eng lit. Pick two of the four (to take with math2) and hopefully you will be finished with your SAT2s by the end of the year
I also agree with the advice to go for one more sitting of the ACT. If you score better great; if not no worries as a 33 is still excellent and will not keep you out of your top schools. But a lower GPA and mediocre ECs can keep an applicant out, so focus on keeping up great grades and interesting ECs this year!
I got a 33 on my first try. On my second try, I buckled down and studied and got a 35. I think that you can do the same. I would retake some of those subject tests though.
@jakerman1234 I was talking in general about your SAT II scores in reference to the colleges you plan to apply too. 740 is a good score in Bio and no need to retake that. I don’t think taking both Bio E/M and Math 1/2 is a smart move, you can only use one of each, that effort should be spent at other tests. Your ACT score is good, SAT II scores on border line, with little more effort you can go from on the fringe candidate to a strong candidate as long as you maintain a good GPA also. Keep up the good work, Good Luck with your testing.
