Should I retake the ACT?

Test Preparation
1

Hey everyone. As ED is fast approaching, I recently took the September ACT and did okay, my composite score was a 30. The school I am applying to ED has a median ACT score of 32, and the range is a 29-34, so it’s very selective (I am applying because I love the school, of course I understand my chances are slim).

There’s another ACT coming up on the 24th and I feel like I could potentially do better. From what I have researched, I can only submit one score, so if I were to submit this October 24th ACT, I would just have to trust that my score would be better (I wouldn’t get to see my scores before submitting it to the college, because the date falls so close to the ED deadline). At the same time, I feel like my score is still competitive and my next ACT would be stressful and complex (because of sending it in after the deadline).

As much as I would love to get my scores up to a 31 or 32, I’m not sure if it’s worth it. Does anyone have an opinion? Thanks!

2

I would recommend that you retake it, but only if you are able/willing to put in some time between now and test day to ensure that your score improves. I would particularly recommend that you take several practice tests and make sure you are able to improve or at least replicate your current score consistently before retaking it. If you can get a 30 or higher consistently, it is likely that you can do the same on test day and therefore have nothing to lose.

I took the June ACT and got a 30 composite and then retook it in September and managed to get a 32. All I did to prepare in between was take a few timed practice tests on my own and review ACT math skills using online tools. Especially if September was your first time taking the ACT, I think your chances of going up are high enough to take the risk.