I took my ACT back in December, and I received a 34 on the test. However, my math score was only a 30. The other three tests brought it up. I am aiming for very selective universities, and most of the universities I’m looking at have a 31 as their 25th percentile for Math ACTs. With this in mind, is it worth retaking the ACT only to raise my math score a little, or should I just stick with my current score?
What major? If you are looking at math heavy competitive majors, like eng, then if you were my kid I would have you consider looking at why your math score was low and having another crack. If you are in advanced math, ACT math covers a lot of math you might not have looked at since middle or even elementary school.
I’m hoping to double major in neuroscience (pre-med) and theatre.
If finance is not a major issue and if you feel confident, go for it. It would not hurt
My son has the same issue, 30 composite with a 31 science, 34 English, 35 Reading and a 21 (!!!) Math score. He dislikes math but actually gets all A’s with a couple of B’s in his classes and is in pre-calc honors this year and doing very well. The most selective schools he is looking at are Madison, Twin Cities and maybe Wheaton College but he has others that he really likes such as Loyola and Butler.
He doesn’t want to retake the ACT for a 3rd time (his first test was a 27 composite) and his tutor wasn’t sure that he should either as his higher scores might drop.
Is this an issue if he’s looking for a major in liberal arts such as political science or history?
If you are targeting schools that superscore and do not require all tests, there is nothing to lose except time and $ to retake. However, you might consider taking a math Sat2 which could offset your ACT and confirm your math knowledge (and it is easier than than ACT math).
We will look into the Math Sat2. He doesn’t want to sit for the ACT again. Otherwise, his composite plus his HS grades and extracurriculars should all fall in his favor.
My kid had an unbalanced ACT, and a perfectly balanced practice SAT, so will take the SAT rather than retake the ACT.
always strive for a higher score. It won’t hurt
Study math subjects you haven’t seen for awhile and then retake, particularly if the schools you’re interested in superscore. If you’re not going to spend time reviewing/studying, then don’t bother to take it again. Good luck!