I’m a senior in high school recently deferred from Yale SCEA. My ACT score is a 33 composite (35 R, 35 E, 33 S, 30 M) and 34 super-scored. I took the exam twice–in April and June–and received a 33 both times. Looking back, however, I’m thinking it was foolish of me to give up so quickly. Other stats aside (full disclosure: I’m an upper middle-class Caucasian female), is it at all worth it to retake this exam? I’ll be applying to several Ivy Leagues and other competitive institutions RD. Some super-score, some don’t. And, ideally, I’d want at least a 34 composite.
I don’t want to be rejected for something as small as a point on an ACT exam. However, I also recognize that it’s late in the game and I’m nitpicking over something quite small. Any thoughts?
I’d just try to raise the math score. I think you can do that by reviewing math skills on Sparknotes or Barron’s. If you want to be on the safe side, I would take it again and get a 34. I think a 34 is on the safe side for Ivies.
@clichescreenname thank you for your input! Unfortunately not every school I’m applying to accepts the February ACT (nearest test date), but I may as well give it a shot. Any other suggestions?
I think if you take it again with several hours of math studying, you should be able to reach the holy grail. I don’t have any more suggestions because I’m still in high school lol. So I’m not the expert when it comes to colleges and admissions.
I’m not sure what other suggestions you’re looking for. Clichescreenname gave you one suggestion, but you admit most of your schools don’t accept the Feb ACT.
The only other suggestion is not to take the Feb test.
Don’t bother taking it again. A one point difference in your score when you get to a certain point will not make a difference. Admissions rates plateau at around 32 to 33. There is almost a threshold which, one you are above, the rest of your application will determine whether or not you get it. At the Ivys, it’s just assumed you have good test scores.