As a junior in high school, my school is letting us take the ACT on April 28th, on a Thursday, in school. The test is free and required so I am definitely taking it. My question is, there is also an ACT test on April 18th, 10 days earlier, on a Saturday. Should I sign up for this one (it costs money, as it usually does) so that I have a better chance at increasing my score. I’m not worried about paying for the test, I am just wondering if it’s a good idea or not, seeing as it may increase my chances of getting a higher score. I’ve taken the ACT three times before. First time I got a 23, second time I got a 25, and third time I got a 25. I am using the Official ACT Prep Book and am aiming for a 31 or a 32. I will be grateful for all answers I get. Thank you.
At this point…your official scores seem to have plateaued. Are your practice exams consistently 31 or 32? Most people only take standardized tests two or three times. Five might hurt you.
Practice tests are overall 30. I’ve taken 2 of them and plan on taking others. I really only struggle with getting the math above 30 (I get a 26 to a 28 in math).
Also, how would five times hurt me?
Because getting a 31 first try isn’t the same as getting a 31 after taking the test five times. Scores can go up simply by becoming familiar with it. Taking the test time and time again is just learning to take the test. Which isn’t really what it’s intended to measure, IMO.
My math teacher took it eight times to get a 30 (which got him a scholarship because of that score). It’s not like the scholarship was voided because of how many times he took it. The school he went into didn’t reject him because of the amount of times he took the test. I just don’t see how it it’s a bad thing.
Depends on the school you’re looking at, I guess.
You obviously want to take it multiple times. Then go for it, it’s your life, as always!
I don’t think it matters how many times you take it unless you apply to a school who wants all test results. Two April tests may be too close together to show improvement though. Is there one this summer or in early fall?
@bodangles I plan on going to Missouri University of Science and Technology (an engineering university). They say that they look at your highest score for admission and scholarship qualification. Thank you.
@austinmshauri The school I want to go to, Missouri University of Science and Technology, looks at the highest score you get on the ACT or SAT. There is a test in June, September, October, and December. Any suggestion for which one to take (the test date)? Thank you.
When is their application deadline, @Chase25? If it’s in Nov, then June or Sept would still get there in time. I’d probably test in April then prep 'til Sept. and retake it then.
The final scholarship deadline is February 1, while the priority application deadline is December 1. I’m guessing both of those matter equally.
You are able to cancel your act scores so that they no longer exist in the act system. Thus if a school even asks for all scores the ones you cancel will not be present
How? ^
I’m also considering do this, does anyone know if people are allowed to take it twice in in the same month? My school also offers the ACT on a school day.