Should I retake the ACT?

I’m a senior applying to colleges this January (my deadline is January 1st). My top choices are NYU and Boston University, however those are reach schools for me.

Ive taken the ACT 3 times and my best composite score was a 30 (on my most recent one) Each sections score was Reading-34, English-31, Math-28, Science-25. My superstore is still a 30, Reading-34, English-32, Math-28, Science-27.

Im debating taking the December 14th test to try and boost my science and math scores, but I’m still undecided as to whether I should or not. Does anyone have any thoughts?

According to the BU common data set for the 2017-18 admissions cycle, the 50th percentile was 29-32 so you’re on the low end of that, but still in there. 40 Percent acceptance who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74. I would imagine the other components of your application would need to be fairly good to be competitive.

For NYU it’s 30-32 for the 50th percentile. 28 Percent acceptance who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74. Again, you’re in there but on the low end so making the other components stellar really counts.

As for retaking the ACT. Your scores from both sittings are quite similar which is probably an indication that this is where you fall on this test. Not to say that it can’t be raised, but the question is how much time and effort will that take with the time you have remaining. I don’t believe two weeks of cramming will raise the score considerably and you are best served by focusing on the other parts of your application.

If you’re able to really write a compelling essay, your score should be fine since you’re within the score range.