I’m a rising senior and I’ll be applying to MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, Berkeley, Duke, and Rice (intended major is Computer Science). These are my two ACT scores:
Superscored composite is a 34.25… so close to a 35. Should I retake it one more time to try to get a higher score? I understand 34 is a great score and I am extremely happy about it, but some of my Ivy-bound friends are telling me to take it once more to get a 35/36. I get that a 35 does look better to certain colleges, as a 35 would put me in the 75th percentile at MIT rather than the 50th percentile 34, but what do you guys think?
It isn’t a big deal if you don’t, and I highly doubt it’ll make any difference. However, if you have the money to spend and wouldn’t have to prep a significant amount (as that would take away from the very important college essays, time on EC’s, etc. that would likely influence you more than a point on the ACT) you could retake it if you wanted to. It could make a small difference.
One or two more points would make only a slightly difference- your time might be better spent working on extracurriculars and solid essays and such, and this is what will distinguish your application from the rest. A really good essay is far more distinguishing than a 35 ACT. Also, pure speculation here, but it’s recommended you take standardized tests a maximum of 2-3 times, so it might also seem picky to a college if you retake just to improve by a point.
@shrimps-There is not a hard limit on the number of tries at standardized tests. Many students/parents are under this impression, and it is simply not true. The ACT can be taken 12 times.
OP- Do not retake the ACT. Use the time to work on the other aspects of your application. Congratulations on a great score.