<p>Hello,
my first ACT, without any prior studying and almost no understanding of how the test looked, I scored a 32 (29, 30, 33, 36, essay: 10). Is it unrealistic for me to retake and expect a higher score? Should I stick with 32? I plan to apply to every Ivy, Amherst, MIT, and other top tier schools.
Thanks,
lolToasty</p>
<p>Why not try? A higher score will definitely help as a 32 is right about the average at most of those schools. And good luck with all those apps!!</p>
<p>Well, my big worry is scoring lower. Would this look worse for my apps if I scored a 30 or 31 the second time? Thank you.</p>
<p>Definitely retake.</p>
<p>My son raised his ACT score from a 31 to a 34, which is a significant difference, with zero studying.</p>
<p>Mere familiarity with the exam appears to be the explanation.</p>
<p>If you score lower then don’t send the new score.</p>
<p>@floridadad55
hmm… I will definitely think about that, thank you.</p>
<p>@nina1228
That’s true for other schools, but because I am applying to Yale EA, I need to have my scores ready to send before the test date. Thank you, however.</p>
<p>If I were to not go test on the date I signed up for, do the schools I apply to find out? I’m also reading that you have to pay a late fee and a basic fee to test again. Is this true? Would I have to pay extra for a later test date because I miss a test?</p>
<p>You’re in the range for those schools. You should only retake if you know you will do better by scoring over 32 on multiple practice tests. You might want to use your time for essays, recommendations, or ECs because they are more important than raising your score one point.</p>