Should I retake the ACT?

On my first ACT test, I scored a 30 composite (34/28/29/27) and an 8 on the essay. I retook the ACT a month later and got a 32 composite (36/31/33/29) and a 7 on the essay. Will the lower essay score hurt me during the college application process? I’ve always been enrolled in the accelerated English class at my school and I have an A in AP Comp. & Lang. right now.

Also, my dad wants me to take the ACT for a third time. Should I do it? Will colleges think I’m score obsessive if I do? I want to apply to Stanford and Johns Hopkins - is 32 too low?

They won’t think you are score obsessive. D got an 11 on her essay, I don’t think that helped her that much and I don’t think your 8 hurts that much. Yes 32 is low for stanford and Johns Hopkins, not impossibly low but if you have time it’s better to shoot for a 33 or higher. Stanford will require you to send all scores but 3 is not obsessive

Agree^^ if you are looking for top schools like IVY leagues or Stanford, MIT… Yeah a 33+ could open more possibilities. Best of luck!

Thanks to the both of you who responded.
I will be retaking the ACT in June.

^^The link doesn’t work.

You should post the link again.@evapanda123