Should I retake the ACT in October?

<p>I'm questioning if I should retake it.</p>

<p>Combined: 29
English: 32
Mathematics: 29
Reading: 27
Science: 27
Combined English/Writing: 8/29</p>

<p>My writing portion I felt was a well-written, concise essay. I love writing and this time around I felt prepared and everything. My normal handwriting is cursive, though, could that have affected the score if they had a hard time reading it (I have pretty nice handwriting)?</p>

<p>Also, my top schools are UMich, Northwestern, and NYU; should I retake the ACT for them? I was really trying for a 30 or more. Northwestern is the only school that goes above my ACT score for the middle 50th percentile.</p>

<p>My parents are apprehensive about me taking it again. They want me to focus on grades and whatnot. Should I go for it or just take a few SAT Subject Tests to make up the difference (I'm aware that this would be an endeavor in itself)?</p>