Since I am looking to transfer, I am looking to retake the ACT since I feel as though it would open up more doors for myself.
The score I submitted to my colleges was a 29 composite: 32 English, 30 Reading, 28 Math, 26 Science, 11 Writing.
I am about to take a practice test to see where I stand now since I took that ACT in September of 2015. I doubt it will be as high since I am a little rusty with Pre-Calc/Algebra II.
After I take this practice test, where do you think I should go from here? I want to break into the 32 range. I am planning to take the ACT again in June.
@aznboi4981 Wait, slow down. You’re upsetting yourself, and probably for no reason. From what I understand, college transfer adcoms are interested in students’ college GPA and experiences instead of high school. How are you doing at your current school?
@JenJenJenJen Actually, I am doing “extraordinarily” well. My first semester, I finished with a 3.93 GPA. This semester, I think I will be getting all A’s, raising my cumulative GPA to around a 3.96. Aside from grades, I was recently inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, I was offered an internship on campus by one of my professors (I am a Budget Analyst Intern in my school’s budget office), and I recently underwent a RIGOROUS interview process to become a “Peer Facilitator” for first year students next semester. I will be sitting in on a first year experience class and getting students adjusted to college life. There were over 200 students vying for a position, and only 30-35 of us were selected.
Okay, the more I sit around thinking about retaking it, the more I think I should. I really, really, really want to transfer to a “good” school (perhaps Ivy/almost Ivy level). And since I am looking to transfer after my FALL 2017 semester of my Sophomore year, colleges will definitely want a look at my standardized test scores. Therefore, I will thoroughly read through Barron’s, “ACT 36, Aiming for the Perfect Score,” which I purchased a year or so ago and never thoroughly looked through. Also, I will get take more practice tests (one or so a week) until the June exam.
@bodangles In my first year experience class last semester, we learned about all of the different types of careers one can have in the broad business field. We had guest speakers come in and speak to us about their current and past jobs. In particular, one speaker’s career, in Investment Banking, really resonated with me. As a matter of fact, it is the job I chose to further research for the class’ final presentation, so I know the facets of the field to a T.
Overall, the professor of that class (who offered me the internship I am currently doing), told me that she really believes I have the potential to do great things with the right resources. And she does not think my current school is “enough” for me. Plus, the Investment Banking field is so very competitive, so in order to land a decent job in the field, you need a strong educational background. So, basically, that is why.
Perhaps you should call admissions of the schools you’re interested in and ask if you need to take the ACT again. It’s a test for high school students – they might not even care if you do better.
Sure, but why would you want to waste your time studying and retaking if it turns out it won’t improve your chances? Better to ask. Minimize effort, maximize profit. (Am I doing this business thing right? :P)
It’s a waste of time, IMO. They wil only care about your college performance and what else you do with your time. You are clearly doing a lot with your time. Get some great recs, keep up the good work, and apply for Fall 2018.
They only care about standardized tests scores for freshman applicants because they use it as another metric for admission and for rankings. You have now proven you are capable of doing college level work. You have all kinds of opportunities at your college now. Look at the college website for where you might want to transfer. If it says they want your standardized scores, submit them, but honestly, I don’t think they are going to care. Especially from a college sophomore.
Think about it this way: How many transfer students retake standardized tests? Hardly any. However, you have a problem with your plan. If you are thinking Ivy League schools, I highly doubt they accept spring transfers. Most of them will accept transfer students for the upcoming fall term. You need to check. And to reiterate, don’t waste precious time, energy, and money on something that isn’t going to be relevant.
Soemthing else to think about: if you retake and arent able to submit a significantly higher score, you really have just totally wasted your time, right?
