Should I take the ACT again?

Applying to College
1

I took the ACT twice, SAT twice, and 3 SAT subject tests (but only sending 2).
ACT
1st time:
Composite: 31
English: 34
Math: 35
Reading: 29
Science: 25
Essay: 10
2nd Time:
Composite: 33
English: 32
Math: 35
Reading: 29
Science: 35
Essay: 10
SAT
2nd time
Composite: 2170 (1490 R+M)
Reading: 730
Math: 760
Writing: 680
Essay: 8
SAT Subject
Math II: 800
Chemistry: 750
WH: **(not sending)
Comments: I took the SAT twice and took the ACT, and felt like the ACT was more right for me so I switched over. The first time I took ACT I took it on a whim and ran out of time for science (that’s why the score was so low lol). The next time, I was more prepared but spent so much more time on science than reading so my reading score went down :frowning:

My question is, should I retake the ACT this September to reach for a higher score? I have a decent amount of ECs and I hope my essays will be fine, but anything will be helpful to add onto my application. Also, should I submit my SAT score along with my ACT score?
Some schools I am planning to apply to: Amherst, Middlebury, Tufts, Carleton, Swarthmore, Colgate, Haverford, etc.
I want to become a veterinarian so I will probably follow the Biology major.
Thank you very much!

2

I don’t think it would hurt to take it one more time especially if you think you can improve your reading score.

3

The question is whether you can get a higher score. Did you do more preparation for the test and what is your current practice score? Statistics showed there is little improvement in the third attempt. If you do not spend time to prepare for it and have a higher practice score, your chance for getting a higher score is low. However, if your current practice score has been consistently at 34+, you should go for it. Otherwise, you better spend time on something else. ACT 33 is a great score already for most schools. If you are rejected by any school, it is likely not due to the ACT score.

4

I took ACT 3 times and scored 30, 31, and 35 respectively. So there is an exception contrary to the study ^ mentioned above.

If you can score 34+ as per post #2, go for it. Otherwise, focus on other aspects of your application.