I have taken the ACT twice, and am asking for advice on whether to take it again. I want to be competitive at top schools (Ivies, Duke, Northwestern, JHU) potentially for engineering major, but am also considering a pure science (biochem/neuroscience) path. My score breakdown for my most recent test is:
Composite: 35
Reading: 36
Writing: 36
Science: 36
Math: 32
Of course there are other things that matter more than test scores, but in looking at test scores alone, I’m asking how much my 32 in math would hurt my application and if it’s worth retaking to try to do better. I’ve gotten an A in every math class I’ve ever taken if that helps (I’m up to Hon. Pre-Calc and am planning on taking AP Calc BC next year- just not great at the timing on the ACT I think). Thanks for any feedback!
do not take the test again. Take the SAT 2 Math 2 and hopefully get a high score. I assume you are a junior now?
Ordinarily I would not recommend a re-take for someone sitting on a 35 composite. However, if you are gunning for engineering at a super-elite school, it might be worth your while to raise that 32 in math. Also, check and see if the schools you’re looking at super score. It would suck if you got the math up to a 35 only to see your scores come down in the other sections.
I agree with @LvMyKids2 Don’t retake and do well on the Math 2.
@LvMyKids2 @TheBigChef @“Erin’s Dad” Thanks for the feedback! I’ll definitely look about studying for the math 2 sat II. If I were to drop the engineering, do you think my scores would be fine for a pure science discipline as they are?
I think they would be fine.
Agree with Erin’s Dad. No need to retake with a 35 for pure science. Even at the most competitive schools, that puts you at or above the 75% mark.