<p>I took the ACT this past October and am only moderately satisfied with my 34... (Along with my scattered subscores, which really made me cringe...)</p>
<p>I did not study and had a hectic week beforehand.</p>
<p>Would it be worth my time and money to take it again? I'm only a junior so I have a fair amount of time to retake it.</p>
<p>Would gaining one or two points on the ACT really make a huge difference for future college prospects?</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration, and have a lovely day!</p>
<p>Depends on where you plan on applying (would only matter for top tier schools, and even then I doubt the impact it would make). I got a 35 and am applying to Georgetown, UChicago, Northwestern, ect. I don’t think you need to, unless you are confident that you could improve. A 34 is still quite competitive for those schools</p>
<p>@brennz Yeah, one big thing I was wondering was what the impact would actually be on any future applications. </p>
<p>@austin23 That’s quite true!
And from what I have heard from seniors at my school was that the math was exceptionally hard and also the fact that I did much better on math/science on the PLAN, I may end up retaking it. I have a while to think about it, anyways!</p>
<p>Retake, you still have a lot of time left. Maybe considering taking it again in 2015, no doubt you will do better. A 36 is hugely different than a 34 since each additional point from 34 requires a lot of extra work. A 18 may not be different than a 16 but it is definitely in your best interests to retake and snatch up those extra points. Even a 35 would help your chances at a good university. Good luck</p>
<p>@sparkl3 Yeah, I’m thinking of maybe taking it in February out of state (since NY doesn’t offer it in February!) Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>@SeinfeldFan1 I can sense some sarcasm in that phrasing- I am not complaining about getting a 34, just wondering if others felt that it would possibly be a good use of my time to study and try to improve my score.</p>
<p>@brennz Thanks for your input! I realize that ECs, GPA, and essay are also huge deciding factors as well! :)</p>
<p>I would not retake it, in general, because it is good enough and retaking could look like you are score-obsessed, rather than achievement-oriented (helping make the world a better place).</p>
<p>That said, if it were me, I would SO want to try again next November to see where I landed. Feb? WHY?</p>
<p>Dude, you do realize they do not care over a 34 vs 33 vs 36 ? Sure it helps but don’t waste your time…I’ve actually had advice from real ivy league admissions officers that say once you’re in that middle 50 range, they could care less.</p>
<p>If I were you I would focus on getting some really good subject test scores first, then retake the ACT in the fall if you want to after some summer studying. @SerenityPrayer, it somewhat depends on the rest of the application, too. A very high score can help offset a weakness someplace else. Not a glaring weakness… but something that isn’t quite stellar. My D2 had superb test scores (2380 superscored SAT, subject tests of 800 Lit & 800 Math II). Her GPA was not fabulous (3.7 unweighted), and her ECs were solid but not spectacular. She got in everyplace she applied, including U of Chicago, Swathmore, and Harvey Mudd. I am convinced that her test scores were a big factor in those admissions. </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, a 34 is great. And if you plan to apply to any colleges where subject tests matter, get those taken care of first. But if you feel you can go higher, then by all means test again in the fall.</p>
<p>I’m retaking a 34 as well. I think most people will naturally improve their score the second time they take the ACT solely from being less nervous; I got really flustered on the English section and the 33 was definitely a surprise >:0</p>
<p>Also, how are you guys studying for the dual passages? When I saw there was a dual passage in the reading section I had my “oh ■■■■” moment Since there aren’t many recent ACT’s with dual passages circulating, are people just studying SAT dual passages? </p>
<p>If you did not do a thorough practice, you should be able to score higher after practice. ACT 34 is a great score but you may need a higher score for merit scholarships at many schools. Ideally, you should finish your test by the end of Junior year so that you can have a better preparation for college application. You should plan for some practice over the holidays and retake it by March before you get busy with finals, AP, and SAT2.</p>
<p>There was a lot of outside factors to my performance, like actually being ill and not studying, so I’m going to take it again.
Even if it doesn’t change the way admissions looks at it very much, if there’s even a slight difference, I’m going to go for it!</p>
<p>@youngbin97 I’d maybe even look at some old NYS English regents where they compare passages. Usually it’s a paragraph you have to write, but I found that that skill I had helped me! </p>
Since there aren’t many recent ACT’s with dual passages circulating, are people just studying SAT dual passages? </p>