my score: 34
36 E, 33 M, 36 R, 27 S
I am taking it again in two weeks. I DO know that a 34 is hardly a bad score. Furthermore, I have no interest, stated or otherwise, in pursuing STEM in college. HOWEVER, I would like to raise that ugly 27.
I’m thinking that because a majority of the schools that I am applying to DO superscore, I should focus wholly on the science and let my other subscores fall a little. Because, without preparing for all of them, I’d be bound to make a few mistakes compared to last time.
Is it a worthwhile/sensible endeavor? Should I only focus on raising my science (and math, to an extent) score for the sake of better chances with superscore schools? Because if not, I’d be wasting a lot of time preparing for the test in its entirety. I have a full-time job.
Frankly if you were my child and not going into STEM, I would say congratulate yourself on your 34 and move on. Since you are already signed up to take the test again, I think you should focus on science. Just work on timing in your practice tests and then maybe just review a few questions for the other sections just prior.
yes, its a worthwhile endeavor. The so-called science test is mostly speed-reading. Take a test book and break up the science test in sections/passages, and put yourself on a kitchen timer. Practice one-by-one until you can answer questions comfortably under 50 seconds each.
why would you take it again if you have a 34 and not pursuing STEM? Waste of time. Why not work on other things like outside activities or essays if you are a rising senior.
I agree. And I am pursuing other things. I have an internship and of course essays are coming along. But I wanted to increase my chances at top schools like Duke/Georgetown/Cornell etc. Would the difference between a 34 and a 35 mean anything to my applications?
Have you tried the SAT? No science section.
That looks like a composite 33, which is still a great score. If you take the ACT again, you can focus on improving your science score and you should still do very well in all of the other sections (as you already did).
I just want to say this is hardly dire if you have a 33 or a 34. If you were my kid and common app were opening in a month, I would say forget it.
The science section is so ridiculous. If you get like 3 wrong you are below a 30. That was by far my kid’s least consistent section. He got everywhere from a 28-36 in practice sections before his ACT. He ended up with a 32 science - 34 composite. We were hoping for a 35. Those top scores are awfully touchy if speed and accuracy is not your thing. My kid scored from a 33-36 composite in practice tests.
Have you tried the SAT? Not as time sensitive and doesn’t have a science section. If you’re serious, I’d try a practice SAT and see how that flies.
Thanks for the advice. But concerning the SAT… I’m already going into my junior year, and it’s time for college apps. I don’t know if I should spend time learning a different test. Thanks, though. I understand that it’s possibly a better alternative.
There’s not much to relearn for the SAT. If you’ve taken the PSAT it’s pretty much the same format.
You’re a rising junior right now? Well, if you work academically this year your Science score may naturally go up and you have plenty of time to try the SAT if you want. If this is fact, I would not take it again in a couple weeks. Try again next spring if you want and start prepping/practicing after the holidays. Your other scores are in that touchy zone but your science is likely to come up with another year of maturity and focus and good academics.
You have plenty of time. You will not be filling out apps until at least a year from now.
I apologize. I totally meant *going into senior year. But thanks all for the help. I’ve decided to aim for a 36, as filling the next two weeks with nothing but ACT preparation will not actually impede upon anything important.
Go for it! Your score is a great score right now but if your attitude is to improve then just see what happens. But whether you have a 34, 35 or 36 the schools you are looking at are all a flip of a coin these days. Make sure the other parts of your application like the essays are very strong.