I am thinking about taking ACT in Sep and probably will land somewhere around 32 in composite and 8 in writing. My current score are 31-33 (30-32 in English, 34-36 in Math, 31-33 in Reading, and 27-33 in Science). The composite score is primary determined by Science because I do not have any background knowledge in Chem.
I am planning to take ACT in second half of 11th grade regardless whatever score I will get in Sep. However, because several schools, primary Stanford and Yale, require high school students to submit ALL ACT scores. I am worrying 32 and 8 in 10th grade are not good enough for them. On the other hand, I want to take a real test to see where I stand.
My kid’s HS, in conjunction with Kaplan, offered free practice ACT and SAT exams 4 times a year. Pretty much 100% similar test conditions. Usually it’s 9th and 10th graders who take this test. It seems to me that you shouldn’t use the ACT itself as a practice forum, but what I proposed is perfectly fine. You don’t want to be stuck with a bad score since some schools as you alluded to want all your scores.
You can permanently delete any ACT scores from National Test Dates (not State exams).
Stanford and Yale can’t see what doesn’t exist.
Also, 3rd party tests like Kaplan are not realistic assessments. They fail to capture the essence and nuance of ACT questions, wording, formatting, etc.
I would just keep taking practice exams in conditions similar to test day until Jr. year. But definitely take it at least twice, as the vast majority of students improve their score their second sitting. Best of luck!
I have never seen any evidence that a sophomore score will hurt you. My kid had a composite 31 (scoring 30-32 in practice) as a sophomore and a composite 34 (33-36 in practice) as a junior. I think that shows academic growth. And it is totally possible to eliminate that sophomore ACT score right after taking it if you aren’t happy with it. I thought it was good prep for my kid to take it under actual conditions well ahead of time. My kid actually took it once a year starting in middle school.
I actually think it probably looks worse to take it multiple times right in a row with big score swings.
