Should I take the ACT for the 3rd time to get goal score or SAT subject tests or both??

Test Preparation
1

I am a rising senior and took the SAT twice and ACT twice during my junior year. I’m not too fond of the SAT so I don’t plan on taking it anymore than that and may not even send out my score of 1300 (is this a good idea considering that this isn’t that great compared to the average of 1410 at a college I am applying to?). I was really surprised to find that my ACT score decreased a lot (30 then 26). My goal score was a 32 (2 of the more competitive colleges I am applying to have a 30 average), so I think I might take it one last time in September. I wasn’t really considering taking the subject tests before bc I didn’t think they were that important, but now I was thinking of taking at least math 2 and maybe physics in August. I’m still kind of unsure of how much they will affect my chances at college acceptance and I want to make sure I focus on the ACT (if I take it again??) to finally get my goal score- would it still be worth it to also take the subject tests?

Also, if this helps in terms of other college application factors:
W GPA is 4.2; UW is 3.85
I am getting recs from my English teacher junior year who always complimented my essays, orchestra teacher who I am very close to, and counselor who I have a good relationship with
I plan on majoring in Computer Science
I am applying to UVA, JMU, GMU early action; William and Mary early decision? (still unsure); VT regular - so basically I have pretty good chances at most of these schools, but UVA and WM are more of a reach and would be the main reason why I might consider taking the subject tests and/or retaking the ACT to get that 32.

2

How much time do you have to prepare to take the Math 2? what is your current level of Math? My kid just finished pre-cal, and Math 2 is a no-brainer, i.e. most of the material has already been covered. Which is your area of weakness in ACT? How busy will you be in the Summer? If it were me, I will take the subject tests in Aug, and the ACT in September. Given you already had a 30, I am assuming there are not too many gaps in the content for ACT…

3

I just finished Calc AB and took Physics 1. For the ACT my scores from February were: 33 english, 28 math, 31 reading, 29 science. I am still shocked at my drop in scores from June, which were: 28 english, 28 math, 26 reading, 23 science. This summer actually is not too busy for me as I wanted to open time up for AP assignments and college apps. I guess I will take both, thank you! Also, how did your son study for Math 2? Did he get a book or just practice questions online?

4

I think it is a good idea to take the math level 2 subject test because studying for it will help your ACT math section. Good luck!