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Super score strategies after a 34
121IllinoisDad
30 replies5 postsRegistered User Junior Member
Hi all, my son is scheduled to take the ACT again this upcoming Saturday. He scored a 34 on his first ACT and at this point he’s really only taking another to try to super score.
He scored a 36 on English and a 9/10 on his essay. These and every other section were at the top end of his practice tests. Only exception was Math. On math his practices ranged from 33-36 and he posted a 33.
From a super score perspective, the only score he isn’t fully happy with is Math.
I have an extreme question and then a more realistic question:
Extreme: since Math is the only score with a realistic chance of an increase, is there any negative consequence of not answering any section but Math? Ie. could he be doing mind exercises and mediation right up until Math?
More realistic: He sees no point in taking English (36) or the essay (9/10). Can he blow these sections off?
I ask this not to shirk work. I ask because being intellectually on point for hours and hours is really frigging hard. The more he can focus on the one section where he underperformed, the better I think he’ll do.
All of this is purely based on Super scoring. Our list of schools all super score.
5 replies He scored a 36 on English and a 9/10 on his essay. These and every other section were at the top end of his practice tests. Only exception was Math. On math his practices ranged from 33-36 and he posted a 33.
From a super score perspective, the only score he isn’t fully happy with is Math.
I have an extreme question and then a more realistic question:
Extreme: since Math is the only score with a realistic chance of an increase, is there any negative consequence of not answering any section but Math? Ie. could he be doing mind exercises and mediation right up until Math?
More realistic: He sees no point in taking English (36) or the essay (9/10). Can he blow these sections off?
I ask this not to shirk work. I ask because being intellectually on point for hours and hours is really frigging hard. The more he can focus on the one section where he underperformed, the better I think he’ll do.
All of this is purely based on Super scoring. Our list of schools all super score.
Replies to: Super score strategies after a 34
If a student is retaking, the best effort needs to be made on all sections.
It is my understanding that ACT cancels tests that leave a section unanswered.
As to just blowing off a section by doing something like providing random answers without reading any of the questions or answers, be aware that colleges that superscore state they use the highest section scores in determining admission; however, that policy does not in any way prevent the college from considering against you the fact that it appears you purposefully blew off sections of the test. Moreover, if the resulting score is much lower than your existing score, ACT will likely flag the test for investigation and then probably cancel it, or, much worse, ACT will cancel your first test.