I’ve taken the ACT three times, but I’ve only managed a 31 composite (35 E, 34 M, 23 R, 30 S). I feel my reading score will hold me back, but I don’t want to take it a fourth time. However, I do feel I can do well on the SAT (particularly the reading section), so I’m hoping to take another stab at the SAT (I’ve taken it once already, but crammed and only got a 1420). I’m on the lower end of the score range for most of the colleges I’m applying to, and I really want to take it again, but my only concern is how it would be viewed. Would it look bad if I took it again?
Personally I would let it go. I do think its starts looking desperate. Your scores are very good but yes they are a little low for the very top schools. I doubt seriously your score will go up very much based on what you have told us. Focus on other aspects of the applications.
I think I can increase my scores if I prepped sufficiently. I never really had adequate prep for the SAT, and I managed to score a 1460 on the PSAT without much prep. My plan would be to start prepping now for October and give it my absolute best shot. I’m only worried about how it would look, but I don’t have to send all my scores, right?
you’d have to see if you only need to report the SAT scores and not the ACTs as well to colleges. If you need to submit then yes five is too many. If you only have to submit SAT (including subject tests) then you’re ok.
the most selective schools seem to require the full testing history. Based on your post I am assuming you are applying to highly selective schools.
Im pretty sure colleges only require full testing history of either ACT or SAT since the two are not affiliated. I would retake the SAT and stop on the ACT.
Indeed; after doing some research, it seems colleges generally DO require ONLY all SAT’s or ACT’s. in that case, I will definitely give it another shot. Thanks!
Deleting your previous ACT scores is an option.