Retaking a 34 ACT?

Test Preparation
1

I know a lot of people have already asked this question, but I just wanted to ask it from my own perspective.

I got a 34 on my ACT with the score breakdown being: 35 English, 31 Math, 36 Reading, 34 Science

The thing that’s really bothering me is the disparity in my math score as compared to my other scores, especially considering that I want to major in a math-related field in college. I don’t want it to seem that my math knowledge is lacking, and also don’t want my stated interest in math/STEM to be weakened by a mediocre math score. If, lets say, I retake the test and increase my math score, would it be worth the effort/the risk of my other scores decreasing? (I’m not quite sure if I’ll be able to get a 36 in reading again, etc). Still, if my other scores stay relatively constant and I bring my math score up enough to increase my composite score to a 35, would it even make a difference?

I know 34 is already a great score, so I don’t know if I want to retake the entire test again just to show math knowledge. If I don’t, is a 740 on the math II subject test sufficient in showing said knowledge? Should I just focus on the Math II subject test and maybe retake it to get a 800?

2

getting a 31 on math strongly suggests that your math knowledge is lacking.

3

Short answer – no, don’t retake the ACT. A 31 in Math is far above from a mediocre score.

Good luck!

4

If you are applying to top engineering schools, that 31 in Math may hurt your chance. If you are not applying to a specific Math related major directly but just to the literature/science college, it should be fine for most schools.