<p>So I've took the ACT 4 times, each with no preparation, with my highest composite being a 33. I've decided to really get serious about the September test I'm taking, and to try and pull my score up to a 35.</p>
<p>I would just like to know how colleges would feel about me taking the ACT 5 times; I've heard that they think too many times makes you seem obsessive, but I'd like a direct answer.</p>
<p>Colleges in question and schools like Rice, UChicago, washU, UCLA, the Ivies, UVa, and UT</p>
<p>Let me ask you something. Why would you take the ACT four times without studying? It seems to me like your not that serious about college or money for that matter. A 3</p>
<p>You have a 33, and you’re not satisfied? Please do something else with life rather than being a career test taker. The standardized test scores are but one part of the application.</p>
<p>I just think that I could do better. I just want to know if colleges will dislike me taking the test again.</p>
<p>And I realize that going into it unprepared in the past was dumb, but I can’t really help what my attitude was in 10th grade. I’m a senior now btw</p>
<p>Yes colleges look down on students who take the test more than 3 times. it means you don’t have the right priorities . HOWEVER if and only if the last time you took it was in the 10th grade then they’d want a score that is closer in time to your application.</p>
<p>^ not necessarily true- my son took the ACT 4 times and was accepted at some phenomenal schools.</p>
<p>Sorry, but don’t understand the problem. ACT only allows you to order one score report at a time. You’d have to pay a small fortune to send all five test reports to each of the schools you’re applying to . . . why would you do that?</p>
<p>Take the test as many times as you like (and, yes, a 35 is better than a 33!) . . . and just send the schools your best score.</p>
<p>You could take it 20 times - the colleges are never going to know.</p>
<p>^actually, the ACT limits testing to 12 attempts</p>
<p>One learns something new every day! :)</p>
<p>I did not know this part either</p>
<p>“We report ONLY the scores from the test date you designate, not any other test scores. This ensures that you direct the reporting of your scores.”</p>
<p>Since there’s no way to superscore the ACT, there’s really no point in sending multiple scores.</p>
<p>While colleges only require that a single ACT Score Report be sent, many want all sittings self-reported on the application. And at least one wants Score Reports for all ACT sittings (with some accommodation for financial hardship):</p>
<p>[Testing</a> : Stanford University](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/freshman/testing.html]Testing”>http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/freshman/testing.html)</p>
<p>Actually some colleges do Superscore the ACT now (or they say they consider the highest of each of the subscores which is essentially the same thing as superscoring). You have to check each college’s policy.</p>
<p>Though, FWIW, I think taking the ACT 5 times is a bit excessive especially to improve a 33 (although of course a 35 is better than a 33).</p>
<p>I think most universities, especially top tier, will require all scores to be sent</p>
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<p>That’s simply not true. Most so-called “top tier” schools do not require all scores. Stanford is a notable exception.</p>
<p>Here’s a list of each college’s requirements for SAT score reporting. I’d think the requirements for ACT scores would be the same (although you should check each school’s website to be sure):</p>
<p>[SAT</a> Score-Use Practices by Participating Institution](<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf]SAT”>http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf)</p>
<p>I took it 5 times with a 32 and got into the best school I applied to off the waitlist.</p>
<p>Some schools want all scores. Also, it may be reported in your high school transcript. You should have thought it through before taking the test again. If you practice score is 35 or more consistently, it may worth to retake. Otherwise, it is not wise to add one more attempt for 1 more point. Not only it indicates you are lack of planning. it also shows your score obsessiveness.
There is no absolute limit on the number of attempts on the test. If you have a strong credential, taking the same test 4 or 5 times probably would not hurt your chance too much. But if you do take the test more than 3 times, you are going to give a bad impression to the adcom.</p>