Hi Everyone,
I have a quick question I would really appreciate your help with 
I recently took the ACT in June and scored a 35. (a 36 in science, reading, and writing and a 33 in math). I feel very happy with this score, but my counselor is urging me to retake to raise my math score so that I can get a 36. She says that there’s no risk involved, and that taking the test just once will appear “apathetic” to selective universities.
To what extent is this true? I am not anxious to take a test again, as I’d prefer to direct my energies towards essays and the like. Also, I’m looking at schools that do not do score choice (like Georgetown), and I’m worried if some of my other scores go down on a retake it will look bad. Can someone offer me advice on whether they think it’ll make a big difference? Also, on how much risk is involved, and on whether the apathetic thing is true? Basically, what do you think?
I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to weigh in.
Many Thanks.
Also- If it matters, my essay was an 11
I would not retake. The part about being viewed as apathetic is silly. I guess the only time I might consider it is if you plan to major in math. What do you plan to study?
International Relations. Definitely not interested in any math fields at the university level. Also, thanks for the reply!
No, I would not retake with those scores. And no, I don’t think it would show apathy to call a 35 good enough.
Fantastic score. You are good to go - absolutely no need to retake. Good luck to you!
thank you so much!
Apathetic? That doesn’t sound right. A 35 on the first try is fantastic, and I’d say your plan to focus on other aspects of your application is the right move. A 35 won’t keep you out of any university, and a 36 won’t get you in. I’m surprised any GC would give advice like that.
I agree–do not retake. If there’s any apathy problem, it’s on the part of your counselor.
Your story makes me question the competence of your counselor. Doing something right the first time is NOT apathy.
Use summer to work on essays. If you feel test-taking urge, do some SAT subject tests and aim for 800s…unless you already have high scores there too.
Good work and congrats!
I would not take ANY advice from this guidance counselor in the future.
Yeah, I was surprised by her response as well. I’m sure she’s just trying to put me in the best position, but I agree with you and I’m glad to hear that others found it odd too. Thanks for the reply
In your shoes, I see zero need to retake and have seen many posts on CC in which it appears that a high school counselor has given well-meaning advice that does little more than create extra work for a student.
I would love to hear from a professional about this. We hired a private consultant for my daughter who said a similar thing: that taking the test more than once shows a willingness to improve and that colleges expect it. But the experience of my daughter has not borne that out. She ignored the consultant and refused to retake when she got the equivalent of 1540 (new SAT.) She was accepted to a bunch of good colleges. @Hanna and @MYOS1634 , what do you think about this idea that students with really high scores should retake because it shows apathy otherwise?
Apathetic? To me, it shows that you’re a happy well-adjusted student who’s fully satisfied that they’re 35 puts them in the Top 1% of students in the country and doesn’t feel the need to chase perfection because you’ll never find it in life.
I heard a statistic from a national test prep company executive who came to speak at my D’s HS, which is located in proximity to Stanford. He said that Stanford turns away roughly 70% of the students with perfect test scores each year.