Should I retake a 34 in December?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

So I got a 34 ACT on my second try in October (36 E, 33 M, 36 R, 32 S) and I’m wondering if it would be worth my time to retake for a third time. It kind of frustrates me that I was one question away on either science or math from a 35 composite. I do recognize that 34 is in the 99th percentile. Still, I’ve been reading decision threads and most unhooked applicants had a 35 or 36 for top 20 schools. The real risk would be a possible score drop in 1 or 2 sections (I don’t think it’s likely I’ll get a 36 in both English and Reading again).

Btw my UW GPA is 3.98 and W GPA is 4.32.
SAT II’s: Bio-e: 760, Math 2: Pending (but expecting 750+)

I’m thinking about applying to

Yale
Harvard
Brown
Columbia
Wesleyan
Vanderbilt
Wash U
Rice
Northwestern
Emory
Duke
Pomona
Santa Clara
UCB
UCLA
UCSD
UCD

2

It would be overkill, and like you say it could actually come out lower. I wouldn’t retake, and would concentrate on something else, like SAT IIs or essays.

3

Agree with NavalTradition.

4

If the score drops, who cares. Delete the score. You have nothing to lose by taking it again.

5

If money is an issue, and you might be competitive for a Robertson scholarship at Duke, the extra points could maybe make a difference. For admission to an Ivy, not so much.

6

I do not see a need for a retake, work on the other aspects of your application. Congratulations on great scores.

7

Are you a Senior? If so, you’ve got a short amount of time left to get ALL those essays and supplements. I would focus on that- a 34 is fantastic.

8

I’d focus on your essays and refining your college list––you’re applying to a lot of different schools that attract different types of students. Are you sure each school is a good fit for you?