Retake worth my time?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>On my first attempt I scored:</p>

<p>English: 33
Math: 28
Reading: 36
Science: 35
Writing: 9</p>

<p>Composite: 33</p>

<p>Is a retake worth my time as a rising senior? I did not spend any time preparing for the test, and the only thing I am disappointed in is my math score. The reach schools that I am interested in applying to are Columbia University and Northwestern, where obviously any higher score would help me. However, I'm just not sure it is worth it to spend the time to take the test again rather than focusing on other parts of my application for just a marginally better score. Some other testing/grades/EC information for consideration:</p>

<p>SAT subject tests:
Chemistry: 770
US History: 770
Latin: 670</p>

<p>AP scores in Chemistry, US History, English Language: all 5s.</p>

<p>4.0 unweighted GPA, top 5% class rank at a public school (not sure on the exact number yet, but I am at least 7/234 based on a friend's grades and may be 2/234 based on his estimate).</p>

<p>Perhaps my biggest extracurricular is my interest in photography. I enjoy taking sports/photojournalistic shots and portraits. I took shots of sports teams and events around the school my junior year, with many being published in the yearbook and school newspaper. I have also taken and am going to take senior portraits of friends and classmates that have asked me. I am hoping to work on my photography more my senior year and maybe try to get published in a real newspaper or something haha.</p>

<p>Some other random extracurricular activities: Work a job at a restaurant, held a class officer and JCL leadership position junior year, ran track for two years, vice president of NHS (speaks/plans academic ceremonies), going to (hopefully) be a 3 year academic team member (team won first in a competition at a local university winning scholarship money), completed science workshops at local universities. Scored top scores at Penn State Latin convention, 3 year gold medalist on the National Latin Exam (with a perfect on Level III, ...if only this meant as much as perfect standardized test scores on the SAT/ACT haha).</p>

<p>So I guess I am wondering if trying to score a 34-36 (which I am obviously not guaranteed) would be worth the time? Or should I spend that Saturday relaxing instead? Thank you for your time.</p>

2

<p>Columbia’s range is 31-34, so I would say you are pretty good if that is your reach. But I would say you should take it again ONLY because it was your first attempt and you studied very little. I would say you don’t have to study again, but now you have a feel for the test, your math could have been low because you got rushed. Focus on your EC’s, colleges love teens that are involved with community service so that’s an option if you need something to do. Otherwise i would say just take the ACT again, if you dont bring it up, oh well. Love life in your senior year, you will get into a great school, no worries.</p>

3

<p>A second attempt without studying is always worth your time. Even without studying between the first and second attempts, many people improve.</p>

<p>Your score is great as is, but a second attempt may make it even better. If it doesn’t improve your score, so be it. A 33 is excellent.</p>

<p>Since I don’t recommend wasting your time studying for a second attempt, you’re really only sacrificing 4 hours for what could potentially be a few valuable points.</p>

4

<p>Take it again. Study a couple hours a day for the 3 days leading up to the test. Your score is bound to improve, yet you won’t have spent much of your time on it.</p>

5

<p>I’d retake it. English is an easy subject to improve on, and Columbia and Northwestern admissions officers might give you grief for the low math score, especially given your 4.0 GPA. The first time I took my ACT I got a 33 (hours of studying at lunch in the library). I didn’t want to take it again, but my school required it. I was pretty annoyed and chose not to study at all. I got a 35. </p>

<p>A retest can never hurt.</p>