<p>I got a 32 on the june test and i want to get as close to 36 as possibe because of a not so wonderful high school acedemic record, so should i try to get the 36 or just stick with the 32? btw the college i really want to get into is carnegie mellon.</p>
<p>I do realize that with my lower-than-the-average-applicant's GPA and no EC's i need at least a 34 and really good SAT II scores. if i dont get in, which i am expecting, it's off to another really expensive college in PA that isn't anywhere near as good as CMU. they do however have a really cool dragon statue.</p>
<p>It definatly can't hurt to take the test again -- at worst, you'll be out $5.</p>
<p>What is your high school GPA? On Princetonreview.com it shows the average at about 3.6 with an average ACT of 30. So from those statistics, it looks like CMU is more interested in standardized tests than grades.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure my GPA is between 3.2 and 3.5.</p>
<p>Tis 43 bucks with a writing section. Not 5.</p>
<p>And yes, certainly go for a re-take.</p>
<p>Misha</p>
<p>Right, that was a typo on my part ($50) -- but I'm sure he already knows this.</p>
<p>If your GPA is at they high end of the spectrum you provided, moon doggy, and you get in the 30s on your ACT, I think you have a good shot at Carnegie Mellon. But if your GPA is around 3.2, you should still do really good on your ACT and start getting A's next year -- I think with a high enough ACT, you still have a good shot at Carnegie.</p>
<p>Also, you may consider writing about this in your college application's essay. Explain why your cumulative GPA does not reflect how smart you are -- and start getting A's next year (if you didn't already start last year), to back this up. I am guessing you're going to be a senior, am I right?</p>
<p>you're right i'll be a senior next year and good idea for the essay. according the grades i put for the ACT registration i have 3.63 but for some reason i thought it was lower than that.</p>
<p>I'll recommend you retake. Again, what's a few hours and $50 compared to the next 4 years of your life? It can't hurt you.</p>