Should I retake the ACT after getting a 31?

Hi! So I recently took the ACT and my score came back today as a 31. I previously got a 29 back in June and my goal had been to break the 30’s, but I didn’t study before this test and my score managed to go up! All I’m thinking now is what if I did study for the next one? Could it go even higher? I got a 34 in both reading and writing, but my math was at a 28. For that reason, and the others as well, should I try and retake it to try and get the math higher? Would that difference between ELA and the STEM subjects be concerning?
The colleges I’m planning to apply to are University of Michigan, NYU, UCLA, USC, Northeastern, GVSU and Michigan State. Considering that, would my difference in scores be concerning to these schools and would a 31 put me in the range?
Thanks!

You took ACT several times and did not even practicenter for it? What a waste of time, money, and opportunity. ACT 31 the 25th percentile at UMich, so it is not totally off for LSA particularly if you are in-state. Not likely for CoE though. The question is how is the rest of your application.

Definitely retake the ACT, especially considering the schools you are interested in attending. You must seriously prep for the test. It will make a difference. Good luck, @allycat231!

@billcsho I had only taken the ACT once before and I did study. Just not as much as I would’ve wanted to. I was planning on LSA too. The rest of my application, in my opinion, is pretty strong.

@mysmom The only concern I would have with retaking it is that the next date is Oct. 28th, and I wanted to apply EA to two of the schools. I would just be worried about those two, especially if I do better on the next test.

@allycat231 -Yes, the score might not be available in time for EA schools. However, assuming you improve your scores, it would give you a leg up on your RD schools. Most of the schools on your list are very selective. You need every advantage you can get. Also, a high score could open up more scholarships opportunities. You do need to really hit the books to move the score up. Apply yourself for the next month. It could be a game changer. FYI, my d moved her ACT up from a 31 to a 34. She met with a tutor only a few times to learn some test taking strategies. The rest of her efforts went into practice tests. You can do it!