<p>I recently got my ACT score back, and I got a 33. My score breakdown was a 33 in writing, 36 in math, 31 in reading, and 32 in science. I am somewhat happy with his score; however I don't want to limit my college options. In other words I want to be potentially competitive at some lower tier ives and exclusive private schools (I am aware that multiple other factors affect my chances). Keeping that in mind, should I retake my ACT?</p>
<p>No you shouldn’t. That ACT score is competitive enough for top schools already. </p>
<p>The question is whether this is your plateau. ACT 33 is within the range for acceptance, however, higher score will still give you a slightly higher chances at highly competitive schools. If that is pretty much your plateaued practice score, I see no reason to retake it. But if you do have potential to improve it without much effort and it was your first attempt, you should think about retaking it. A higher score will open doors to many merit scholarships at many top non Ivy schools too.</p>
<p>Interested in advice: sophomore took ACT for first time, composite 34 (which I know most would say “awesome”, but strange blip: big surprise in math of 28 (other sections 35 and 36). Scored much higher in math on practice and is in all advanced/gifted classes. Student left the ACT confident he really did well in math, hence the surprise. Not the 10+ disparity that The Kongo recommends for hand scoring, but pretty close. This student very interested in science, so 28 math hurts. Should student test again or hand score? Concerned that student might not achieve 36 in other sections if tests again.</p>
<p>For top schools, you really want to have all section scores above 30. Math score is important particularly for Science and Engineering. If you do have a great SAT2 Math2 score (15% student received 800), then it may help to overcome that.</p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful advice, billcsho. Will recommend that sophomore try ACT a second time. SAT2 Math2 test is planned for next year, after Calculus AB (BC in Senior Year). Thanks again.</p>