So here it is:
I took the ACT last December as a sophomore, and I got a 30 (32E, 27M, 30R, 28S), which I thought was a solid start. I studied all summer, and took it again in September. I got another 30 (35E, 30M, 28R, 29S). I took it a third time this December and I got ANOTHER 30. (30E, 30M, 33R, 29S). Should I retake it again or am I just simply destined to get a 30?
My GPA is a 3.88 unweighted, my PSAT score was a 1300 (I hate taking the SAT) and my top schools are NYU, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Boston University, and University of Pittsburgh. I was also planning on applying to a couple reach schools such as Northwestern, Dartmouth, and John’s Hopkins, all of which I can kiss goodbye with this ACT score.
Any suggestions? Study tips? Similar stories? Anything will help.
Superscored, your ACT is a 32 so see if any colleges you’re interested in superscore the ACT. Also, this superscore shows that you definitely have potential to do better, so if you wanna try again don’t give up hope.
I just don’t think it’s worth it to take the ACT again. 30 is a pretty good score, and standardized tests don’t define you. With an ACT of 30, it won’t really define you on most college applications, and as long as you have good EC’s and a high GPA, you’ll be fine.
I would take it once more, for the sake of your reach schools and schools like Michigan that do not superscore. Your superscore indicates that you have the potential to score higher, and even if your score doesn’t improve, at least you’ll have a little more peace of mind after taking it one last time. However, your superscored 32 puts you at the 75th percentile at NYU, so a retake is not at all crucial. But who knows? Maybe fourth time’s the charm?
Best of luck with whatever you chose to do!