Advice on retaking SAT/ACT (ACT 31 reading too low for top colleges)?

[Alummom]

My junior D took SAT twice and she did a little better on her second test with 2240 (710 reading). My D likes to apply to 3-4 top level colleges, a couple of which require all SAT/ACT scores to be submitted, and she feels her SAT scores are a little weak, especially as an Asian American.

She just found out her April ACT score, 35 composite, which is great.
But her reading was 31.

She is registered for the May SAT, but we are wondering whether she should go for it or not. She didn't have much time to prepare since her March SAT, and is extremely busy this week. Also my D seems to be dependent on her condition very much-she said she could not concentrate on the ACT reading and knew she would not get a good reading score.

What would you recommend her to do? Take the May SAT and see how she does? Or should she plan to retake ACT or SAT in the fall? She will be taking SAT subject tests in June, and I was thinking to reserve the October SAT date for a possible subject test retake.

Any advice will be appreciated.

[MidwestMom2Kids_]

I honestly do not think it is necessary to retake a 35 ACT. That is a very nice score.

[QwertyKey]

I agree that it's silly to retake a 35, but I know people who retook 34s, and someone who would have retaken a 35 if he hadn't decided he just wanted to go to Michigan. People do it.

If she really wants to take the SAT, and it's not going to be some sort of major financial burden, let her take it in May. Let her take it again in October too.

[Faline2]

Do not consider retaking the ACT...she did fabulously well. Seriously. Focus on essays, references and getting to know your colleges well so you can write good essays and think about where you belong. No more retesting except for subject tests or APs as required.

[mom2collegekids]

OMG....I'm sorry but retaking an ACT 35 is just too much. Schools aren't going to care that she got a 31 in one section.


2240 (710 reading). My D likes to apply to 3-4 top level colleges, a couple of which require all SAT/ACT scores to be submitted, and she feels her SAT scores are a little weak,


LOL...weak? Not.

[TKsmom]

I agree, do not re-take ACT. I also think that colleges do look at how one spends one's time. When you are taking the SAT 3 times, and the ACT more than once, and some subject tests, one can end up having college testing be a major extracurricular activity. It should not be that way. This is not how a successful college applicant should spend her time. Spending time to re-take the ACt after getting a 35 may demonstrate some strange priorities to the admissions committee.

[bluebayou]

While I agree with the other posters, retaking a 35 is totally unnecessary for college admissions, but....

1) With score choice, most colleges won't know you retook -- only a few request/demand all scores;

2) If aiming for a state/national award, I've read on cc that they can parse the ACT into it's component parts, so a 35 can become a 34.5 or 34.75. Your D must've already pulled at least two 36's, so a repeat is likely. (The only real question mark is Science which appears inconsistent to me.)

3) If SHE wants to give 36 a shot, there is no reason not to try, except $50 and four hours of sleep on a Saturday.

[drmamontgomery]

Hello.
I'm a professional college counselor. The 31 or the 35 will not be the determining factor in your daughter's application to top colleges. These scores are only competitive qualifications: will she make it onto the admissions officer's desk? YES.

Will she be accepted? MAYBE.

Everything depends on factors that your daughter cannot control. Tell her to go out and smell a flower or something. Do not make her take those darned tests again. She did a great job, and you should tell her so.

[pugmadkate]

drmamontgomery made good points.

Here's what I've learned about standardized testing and top colleges; truly low scores may keep a student out but there is no score high enough to secure a spot. It's simple one factor among many. Her scores are high enough to not be a problem, let it go.

[MomLive]

Here's what I've learned about standardized testing and top colleges; truly low scores may keep a student out but there is no score high enough to secure a spot. It's simple one factor among many. Her scores are high enough to not be a problem, let it go.

My experience as well. I would add that even a perfect score doesn't trump a less than perfect GPA and ECs. It is just one data point. The top schools expect great test scores and grades and ECs. A 35 is about as high as you can get. An extra point or two on a score that high isn't going to sway admission counselors one way or another.

[mathmom]

Her scores are more than fine - both the SAT and the ACT. Better to spend the time doing something unusual - high scores are a dime a dozen.

[Queen's Mom]

This post is completely insane. A 35 is NEVER a score that should be retaken. It simply does not make a difference if you have a 35 or 36. There are plenty of posts like this from students, but parents usually have a better perspective. Please, please, please lay off your daughter.

[nysmile]

Unbelievable post! I hope you gave your daughter a big hug and congratulated her on her wonderful score.

Do you want perfection or do you want a wonderful, bright, and happy daughter?

Find a way to acknowledge and celebrate her accomplishment.

[Alummom]

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts.

Sure, I hugged my D and congratulated her. It is my D who felt a little bad about her reading score and thinks she can do better. Somehow, she does not mind taking tests. In fact, she is somewhat enjoying and she says she will go this Saturday if she feels good that morning. But I do not see a great benefit of taking it without any further preparation (compared to her last test).

[alohamom]

I agree with most of the posters here. A 35 is certainly wonderful and will put your D in the running for any school, but it is the "whole package" that will be evaluated. My D is at a top ivy, she did not get a 35, but her overall application was strong. She is also Asian American. I would echo the advice of both Faline2 and nysmile. Hugs and congrats are in order