I’ll be entering university as a freshman in a few weeks and I’m extremely nervous. I’ve chosen an engineering major, I’m really passionate about it and want to have a career in the field. However, I’m really nervous about going into it.
My ACT composite score was a 31
I scored a 35 in English and Reading, a 27 in math, and a 25 in science
I realize I scored higher in English and reading, but I hate those subjects and am much more interested in a STEM field.
I took an ACT prep class at school and almost always scores in the 30s for science so I’m kinda shocked how low my score was on the real test
I have no idea how accurate my schools program was though
I probably should’ve taken the ACT again but it’s too late now
I never took the SAT as most people where I live don’t so I don’t have any scores from that to share
I’m just curious how most people fare in their college math and science classes compared to their high school tests
Are my scores to low to expect succees? I just want honest advice so I know what to expect
I graduated with a 3.75 unweighted GPA
I got all A’s senior year and I took AP Chem, physics, and pre-cal for math and science classes but I feel like the caliber at my school was pretty low
How did you do in your high school math and science classes? Have you had exposure to calc, chem, and physics (common first year classes)?
The discrepancy between your math/science scores and your English scores is rather large, and probably unusual for an engineering major. I scored a 690 in SAT math my first try (29 - 30ish ACT equivalent?), and even that I was encouraged to retake for engineering.
Standardized tests are poor indicators of future success.
If you’re worried about your math and science skills, Khan Academy and Paul’s Online Math Notes are great resources to review/ supplement your learning.
From now on, your success isn’t defined by your ACT scores, it’s defined by your work ethic and perseverance. If your test scores are suffering due to testing anxiety, talk to your campus’ mental health center (if one is available).
You are going to be fine. Go in knowing you will have to work hard. Don’t skip classes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You’ve got this!!!
You are right to be concerned but you should not panic. As a professor at a technical university, we have found that applicants with only pre-Calculus and ACT Math scores in your range are the ones who are most at risk in the first year when they have to take Calculus and Physics.
This does not mean that you should panic or expect to do poorly. Just know that you need to put the time in to really learn the basics which can set you up well for all four years of college. Enthusiasm and good study habits can take you far and once you get past the first year or two successfully, know that you will be well equipped to finish successfully.
Good Luck!
The science section in the ACT really is no indicator at all about science, but instead about interpreting graphs. Your math score is good in my opinion. Besides, first year courses are first year courses, you will learn the foundations, nothing to worry about, if you study and work hard, you can attain a 3.5+ (well, at least at my university)