So I just took my 3rd ACT yesterday. I have gotten a 31 on my first 2 (but my high scores were in different sections so I have a super score of 33) and I haven’t gotten back my score on this one but think I probably got a 32. I am very frustrated because I wanted to get a 33 or 34 and think I blew it on the reading section because I didn’t finish (even though I finished on the first 2). I felt good about all the other sections though.
I am probably in the top 5-7% of my class in a highly competitive school, but my scores aren’t aligning with my grades. The other students are getting 33s or higher.
I think I may be able to get a better score if I take it a 4th time, but I do not want to look desperate. I am applying to highly selective schools including notre dame, Vanderbilt, and duke. What should I do?!
No highly selective school “needs” a 33. There are no minimum cutoffs. Your acceptance or denial will depend on the rest of you application. Even a 36 ACT will in no way guarantee your acceptance if the rest of your application is lacking.
No, your chances are not significantly lower. These elite schools will see your 4 attempts and conclude that you are obsessed with test scores. That alone could be a reason for denial.
So it goes. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. But the test is not intended to be something that you work away at until you get a certain score. Move on to a meaningful achievement. Your score is aligned with your grades; in fact it is even better. You state that your GPA puts you in the top 5-7% of your class. Well a 31 is at the 96 percentile-meaning that only 4% of those taking the test scored higher. I would view the need for a student to take the ACTs 4 times as a bad sign. I’d think that student was probably a grade grubber and I’d view higher score, if that happened, as simply the result of a lot of practice rather than a reflection of high ability.
I would bet few of those getting 33s or higher took the test repeatedly until they got that score.
Duke’s 25th percentile ACT is 32, and the others are the same or lower. If 25% of accepted students have a 32 or below, your score is not out of the range of admission. You’ll be in even better shape if they superscore it.
@wcmcollege For what it’s worth, Duke requires that you send all SAT and ACT scores. Imo, even if you ended up getting a 33+, it wouldn’t look that good if it took you four tries.
@Darthjt Oh really because on their website it says “Students who have taken multiple tests may choose which scores to send to Duke.” Are you saying that the website lies?! lol. Looks like someone hasn’t done his research.
OP, why did you start this thread? Were you looking for confirmation that a 4th try is a good idea? If so you will not get the confirmation that you are seeking.
You are determined to take the ACT again so just go ahead and do it.
The advice has been crisp, IMO. The logic and reasoning behind it: sound. Life is what it is. Testing repeatedly to gain entrance is a little risky because once you’re in class you won’t be able to test over and over again. The test scores aren’t magic.
I get this isn’t what you want to hear - probably nobody does. On the other hand, the advice from earlier posters may turn out to have been the worthiest you’ll ever receive.
Out of curiosity, I wonder where the guidance counselor went?
You do realize that you can permanently delete any National ACT scores from your records, as if they never happened? So the idea that colleges will see how many attempts you took on the ACT is nonsense.
Take the ACT as many times as necessary, ad long as you have the time, resources, and patience. And don’t cheat like these overseas cartels are doing.
! I may try ED for vandy or duke but will continue researching to make sure I am absolutely sure.