So my ACT score is a 30. I took the test twice. My second scores (forgot my first) were 34 E, 34 M, 22 R, 28 S. I want to apply to places such as Wash U, Stanford, Georgia tech, ect. I’m planning on taking it again, but if I don’t end up increasing my score, what chances do I have at these places? My GPA and SAT subject tests are great, and I might be a Semifinalist (I’m considering taking the SAT). I have good EC’s and such. The only problem is my ACT score (particularly reading).
Also, I’m wondering if schools that superscore consider the regular score to be better? For example, if I get a 30 on all sections next time, my superscore would be 35 E 34 M 30 S 30 R=32 C. would they be taken aback, considering my 3 composites were 29, 30, and 30, but my superscore was a good 32?
@Rotini don’t bother taking the ACT again. Your 30 is good enough. Others might disagree. It doesn’t look good to colleges when you take it to many times. My D got into Stanford during early decision with a slightly higher score than yours, but still in 98% percentile. She had all As. If you have good grades and ECs to go with your ACT score you should be fine in that aspect. Use the time to work on your essays and create a compelling story. Your essay will give you an edge if the admission officer is looking at another candidate with the same stats. Even the letter from the Stanford admission officer mentioned that my D’s essay was extraordinary and moving. So work on that essay and good luck
For the schools on your list I would absolutely prep further and take it again. 25-75 percentile at Stanford is 31-35 so at least get yourself into this range.
Also, I’m kind of in a tough situation. I prepped ALOT for the ACT in the summer of my sophomore year, and I only managed to get a 29 and 30 so far. Should I try the SAT? I don’t want all my ACT prep to go to waste, but I did really well on the PSAT, so idk
You can do it - focus on your reading prep - given your strong English score and decent Science score I am sure you can bring Reading up from a 22. Take your next ACT test after you achieve your desired reading score on practice tests but shoot for at least a 26 which would move you to a 31C if you can maintain your other subscores. Get a reading prep guide or even a single tutor session just to make sure your approach and strategies are right for Reading.
Few schools superscore the ACT. I would try the SAT (practice test first) and retake the ACT. You need to be at least a 32 but more importantly, you need to not have an outlier low score in reading. Bring reading up to 28 and you move to a 31.
I can’t find the data right now but the move from 32 to 31 is a huge fall off in numbers and then again at 33. There is a fall off again at 34 but it is much more gradual. You can see that 33-36 are all 99 Percentile.