I took the ACT for the first time this February after my counselor recommended it to me instead of the SAT. I didn’t do much prep on my own besides reviewing some math formulas. I got a composite 33, with a 35 reading and English, a 36 science, and a 27 math.
Math, especially geometry, is a pretty weak subject for me, and I think the highest I could get if I study and test again would be a 30 or 31, which would only bring me up one point to a 34.
I was wondering if it’s worth it to retake and try and improve my math, and get a 34. I’m not looking to go to Ivy Leagues, mostly because I haven’t taken any AP classes yet or subject SAT’s and I know that that means I don’t have a very good shot. Im considering schools like American University and University of Pittsburg, and reach schools like UCLA or Pomona. But I also haven’t done a lot of visits and want to keep my options as open as possible. As far as my student profile: I have a 3.80 GPA on the 4 scale, and I have a good amount of extra curriculars that I love, a couple leadership positions, volunteering, and a job that I enjoy. I’m hoping to have straight A’s for my junior year to boost my GPA a little.
Sorry this is rambling, I’m the oldest kid in my family, so I don’t know a lot about college admission or test scores and I’m doing my best to figure it all out. Thanks in advance for any advice!
What is your intended major?
I’m interested in science, specifically biology and genetics.
Then my advice, is to retake it. Prepare well, do lots of math practice problems, and try to get that math sub score up to 30.
I’m not going to recommend one way or another, but here are a few things to weigh as you decide: A 27 is a little out of balance with your other sections, ACT scores do tend to get better with practice, and people report that’s especially true with math as you familiarize yourself with the way they pose the problems (one of the reasons I like the official ACT prep materials). Looking at the 4 schools you mentioned, UCLA does require that you take the ACT with writing, so you may need to take it again anyway for them, but American is test optional (FWIW). American, UPitt, and UCLA all take your highest composite at a single sitting, so you’ll have to do well on all your sections to get a bump (and there’s a chance your 35/36 section scores will “regress to the mean”). Pomona does superscore, but as you know, it is a reach for everyone and supposedly rejects as many applicants with perfect scores as they admit - but during info sessions they do recommend taking it twice (as does UPitt). Not sure if any of that helps, but congratulations on your 33!
If you got a 33 without much practice imagine what you can get with some practice. Do “lots” of practice tests.
Get this :https://www.amazon.com/Book-Practice-Problems-Manhattan-Prep/dp/194123450X
This is what my sons act tutor used. It’s actually heavier then 5lbs… Lol…
My son’s issues were the speed of the test not really the problems.
If you can afford it a “few” sessions with a act tutor can work wonders. There are many competent college and graduate school students that do this on the cheap. Get one that is a specialist in math.
But keep doing math problems till your sick of them then do more.
I bet your composite will increase,no problem but remember do some practice on the other sections as well.
Thank you!
Thank you!!
Tip: Schools look at 34s the way they look at 35s and 36s.