So I took the ACT for the first time and got a Composite of 35 and Writing score of 12. But my break-up is the reason I’m considering retaking the ACT: I got a 36 on the English section, 35 for Science, but a 34 for Math and for Reading. I’m aiming to apply to some highly-competitive schools: particularly Stanford, MIT, Caltech, and some of the Ivies to pursue Computer Science and am concerned that a 34 on Math and a STEM score of 35 may not be good enough for those. I’m currently a Junior and am already registered for April - should I take it?
PS: The reason I’m a little concerned about retesting is that my Writing score might drop since I haven’t practiced that very thoroughly and was surprised to score what I did.
Is the 35 ACT the weakest part of your application? If so, congratulations. If not, set the ACT on the shelf and focus on the things about your stats that aren’t virtually perfect. If you want something productive to do, ace a few STEM related SAT subject tests if you haven’t already.
The things you could do with your time if you are not studying for the ACT will yield much greater returns on your chances of admission than an extra point on the ACT.
I agree with all cautions above and advice that your time is better spent elsewhere. That said, I will add one small argument to consider a retake–a 36 probably would make you eligible for US Presidential Scholarship. (A 35 might be eligible in low-population states.) Is retaking in hopes of a PS nomination worth the risk of getting a lower score? Only you can decide.
The PS probably wouldn’t help much with college since nominees are named after applications are due. There is no money awarded and the odds are pretty low that nominees will advance to finalists. If you were my kid, I’d say the odds of payoff don’t merit retaking the ACT. But you should at least know about it before you declare yourself done with testing.
No matter what you decide, congrats on a great score.
This is a classic example of “High risk/effort with low reward.” So, one could potentially get a US Presidential Scholarship. Similarly, I may win major coin on my next visit to the Venetian - Macau.
I’m in agreement that the OP’s time is better spent elsewhere.
^ @Skieurope, not sure if your post was intended as rebuke to mine, but our posts essentially agree. The only difference is I felt the OP should be advised of an opportunity, however remote, that might be sacrificed.
As a poor midwestern peasant, I have no knowledge to comment on anything concerning the Venetian-Macau, whatever that is.
If you’re targeting the very top schools in a highly quantitative field, you do need to demonstrate your ability in math and science in some other ways. ACT/SAT math or SAT Subject tests scores can only show deficiencies, never sufficiency, in an applicant.
Got it. I can safely say this thread is about as close as I ever need to get to the Venetian Macau. But we digress. The real point is this–good luck @bowdowntobowties !
Thank you for your responses and for the sound advice. I was extremely confused on this front and the majority of comments here saying the same thing make it much easier for me to make the decision.
@oldschooldad I’m sorry if I sound a little uninformed but what is the US Presidential Scholarship?
PS - I’m not sure if I’d be qualified to apply for it anyway since while I’m a US citizen, I live and am attending high-school in a different country.
It’s a scholarship offered by US Dept of Education. Google “U.S. Presidential Scholars Program” and you will find link. I’m not sure about eligibility requirements but you could probably find answers in FAQs. You could probably find some info by searching past CC discussions too.
My advice? It’s not worth getting sidetracked. Be done with ACT and move on to other things such as essays, matching yourself to target schools, involving yourself in meaningful ECs, taking SAT subject tests (if you haven’t already done so) and, of course, continuing to do well in school. Great essays will make a much bigger impact than one ACT point. That seems to be the consensus of everybody who replied. I only mentioned PS to alert you to one small tradeoff, which is probably far outweighed by advantages of being done with ACT. But that’s for you to decide.
For what it’s worth, a sizable minority of those nominated for USPS chose not to pursue it–including my son.
