Retake standardized test?

<p>So, any threads I came across were something along the lines of "I got a 32 on the ACTs/ 2100 on the SATs, should I retake them?" Personally, I think that's silliness, and my question is a bit different from those.</p>

<p>I'm planning on transferring from community college to some top 25 LAC for Fall 2012. I got an ACT composite of 23 in my junior year of high school. Wherever I transfer I'll be a second-sem soph or a junior. </p>

<p>Is it worth retaking the ACTs? Do they hold that much weight at this point in my schooling? Keep in mind that I'll be transferring to a relatively competitive school... I don't think it would hurt, but since I want to focus a lot on my grades I don't want to waste time on the ACT if it won't matter in the long run.</p>

<p>I’m kind of in the same situation: going to CC, planning on a transfer to a top LAC, SAT was 1170 (taken when it was only 2 parts). I considered retaking it, but the fact is that the SAT and ACT are tests that are used to measure how you will perform in college. Since you’ve been in college for awhile, you’ve already demonstrated this. Considering the most weight will be placed on your GPA, essays, and professor recs, I’d devote all energy to making sure these are stellar. Taking time away from these to study for a test that likely won’t hold too much weight (and may not be required for transfers at all schools), isn’t something I’d suggest.</p>

<p>Do two full yrs of CC and don’t retake.</p>

<p>Chongi–what if my grades haven’t been stellar? I did not perform well in my first year of college. I’d like to say it was due to some personal circumstances (which is partly true) but it was also a lack of motivation. I’ve grown from said personal circumstances and I’ve been trying a lot harder with school. I suppose I should just ask the schools I’m applying to. Maybe they’ll recommend it if my grades aren’t top notch. It just seems silly since it’s directed at HS students.</p>

<p>entomom–I will not be spending two years at CC. I’ve already done one+ semester of state school and if I do two years of CC I will nearly be a college senior credit-wise. That’s not a feasible option for transferring.</p>

<p>Honestly, that’s the best thing you could do. Everyone can give you all sorts of opinions, but the easiest thing to do is ask the schools themselves. Not only will they have correct information and more useful guidance, but initiating that contact and asking questions generally seems to be seen in a positive light.</p>

<p>When I said spend 2 years, I meant total credits, not time starting now. But geez, what would I know about transferring :rolleyes:</p>

<p>If you have at least 30 college-level credits that you think are going to transfer then there is NO point of retaking the SAT for the schools that do NOT require them. Once you have started taking college courses, universities and colleges (even the ones that require SAT scores) won’t weigh your HS stats as much. They will pay MUCH more attention to your college work. The rule of thumb is that the more college credits you have, the less emphasis they will put on your HS GPA and SAT scores.</p>

<p>Hey i have a question, i have never taken act or sat and the school i want to transfer doesnt require those tests. Should i try to get it? Would they think that the reason why i didnt send anything is because i didnt do well if i dont submit any score?</p>

<p>@demon7
No point of taking the SAT/ACT if the school you are applying to don’t even require them. </p>

<p>I would use the money to go have dinner with gf/bf lol.</p>

<p>@demon7</p>

<p>If the school doesn’t require test scores then not sending them won’t hurt your application. Generally, people will only send in test scores to schools who don’t require them if they feel it will boost their application. You won’t be looked down upon for not sending them in.</p>