<p>I took the September ACT and got a composite score of 29 (E: 32 M: 27 R: 30 S: 25 Essay: 9 Combined E/W: 30). Although I'm happy with my score because it's equivalent to almost a 2000 SAT (got a 1740 on May SAT, waiting on October score), I now really want to hit the 30 mark. A 29 compared to a 30 is probably not that significant of a difference, so is it worth retaking the ACT so I can try to get a 30? I don't know if I can raise it too much, but I feel like a 30 is possible. I just don't want to waste money if a 1pt difference won't matter in admissions, especially because I'm already spending a lot of money on college apps, etc. </p>
<p>BTW, I'm applying to mainly UC's, few CSU's, maybe Pepperdine and Syracuse as well.</p>
<p>A 29 is a good score, as long as you’re not looking at Harvard. If you think you can do better, however, hitting that thirty mark will make your applications all the more well-rounded. Don’t stress about it, as it’s entirely not necessary, but if a thirty is possible, there’s no harm in trying again.</p>
<p>If you have specific reasons for believing that you can improve your score, I would encourage you to take it a second time. Some of these reasons might include: you were sick/tired during first test; you didn’t study for the first test; you had a guy snoring next to you during the first test; etc.</p>
<p>Be sure you cover all these conditions in preparation for your next test - be familiar with the test format and types of questions; study practice tests for all sections; get enough rest the night before; eat a good breakfast; show up prepared with pencils, etc.</p>
<p>A higher score can help not only with admissions but also with scholarships.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I’ve decided to take the next available ACT, but it’s on December 14th. Apps for all the colleges I plan on applying to (UC’s, CSU’s, PU, SU) will be sent already. Should I still take it and just send the score report whenever it’s available? In the section of college apps where they ask for act/sat scores, would I have to mention that I’m taking the Dec one? </p>
<p>@rmldad, I agree and that’s why I was hesitant about deciding to take it again. I think I can at least improve my science score, because I knew I didn’t do that great since it was the last section and I really rushed it. I’ll study a lot more this time around!</p>
<p>ACT site says 57 percent in your range increase by a point and a 30 jumps you to the 95th percentile nationally and in the middle range for many top schools. As to UC’ s I know a 30 helps at the more competitive one’s like Berkeley and UCLA. Do some study but just going in with prior experience will help. If you end up with the same score Don’t stress it. 29 is still in the top 10 percent but taking again could solidify your position and could help with scholarships.</p>
<p>@billscho, good point! So I’ll send Dec score to only a few.</p>
<p>@turtletime, thanks for the stats. I don’t know yet if I’ll be applying to Berkeley or UCLA. I visited Berkeley and loved it, but it’s very selective. Unless I somehow manage to get like a 32 on the ACT, it’s unlikely I’ll apply…</p>
<p>@ Erin’s Dad, I live in CA so I’m in-state. My dream is to one day live in NYC, hence the screen name haha.</p>