Should I retake?

<p>I got a 32 on my first test with almost no preparation except a few hours the day before. </p>

<p>My score:
English - 27
Math - 29
Reading - 36
Science - 35</p>

<p>I didn't take any practice tests and had never seen the science section before. The thing I'm worried most about is my English and Math scores which I know I can improve on. My parents think it would be a waste of time for me to retake the test. My GPA is a little low at ~3.82 weighted and I am aiming to apply to ivy leagues. </p>

<p>As for SAT, I got a 1980, then a 2010. And for SAT IIs I got a 720 in Chemistry and 690 in Physics. </p>

<p>My question is not only should I retake the ACT in the fall, but also would it be considerably hard to improve in English and Math? Based on the fact that most college statistics only show composite, English, and math scores, do they care more about English and math scores than reading and science?</p>

<p>People’s ACT scores always improve the more preparation one has (more so than the SAT). So if you do enough prep and your practice test scores are significantly higher than a 32, I don’t see why you shouldn’t retake. Improving your score on the ACT is easier than for the SAT. But a 32 in itself is a fine score.</p>

<p>If you are confident that you can improve in English and Math, then I think retaking would absolutely be worth it and has no downside (other than the cost). I also got a raw score of 32 with no prep and with a few practice tests and a few sessions with a tutor, raised it to a 36.</p>

<p>In my opinion, math is often the easiest to improve since it’s objective, covers a certain set of skills, and is sometimes more predictable. Look at the kind of math mistakes you are making. If they are silly mistakes throughout the whole test and not consistently on one topic, then you should consider working on increasing concentration and slowing down a bit. If the mistakes are concentrated in one subject area, then focus on improving your skills in that particular area. </p>

<p>As for English, there are plenty of great grammar guides out there. I don’t imagine it’d be that hard for you to raise a 27, especially if you are getting a 36 in reading. Good luck!</p>