I made a 31 on my last ACT 31E, 30M, 31R, 33S, and I’m just wondering is there much of a difference between those scores. I know on this forum, everything below a 36 is subpar, but is a two point increase that much?
I think I could make a 33 overall (made a 31.25 on last test, how disappointing!), but if I were not able to increase it does it really matter? I know a 33-36 is pretty much the same to colleges, but I just want to get opinions on 31 vs 33?
It really depends on the college you’re looking at. But the short answer is…
C33=99th percentile.
C31=96th percentile.
If you have nothing to lose but a few bucks and time, it’s worth a gamble to take one more shot.
C31.25 means you have a realistic shot at scoring higher.
It really depends on where you want to go and whether or not you need merit aid. I know for my D’s first choice school that a 31 (with a good GPA) meant 2 semesters of half-tuition. A 33 meant 2 semesters of full tuition. And a 35 equals 4 years full tuition. Her school of choice recommends ALL students take it more than once. She improved from a 33 to a 35 and automatically qualifies for the 4 year tuition. This school looks at highest single score, but does not superscore. You need to examine the policies of the schools you are thinking about.
Wow, congratulation!
Which school does your D go to?
The 4 years full tuition is definitely attractive.
Welcome to college confidential where everyone is 4.0 and 36 and asks “will I get in?” :-S
Unless you’re targeting top school, a 32 or 33 is all about hitting the merit scholarship thresholds.
She doesn’t go yet…she is a senior and is applying to BYU for next fall. But they are cut and dried…if you have the stats, you get the $$$$. But many of the Utah schools offer merit scholarships on a similar GPA/ACT (or SAT) matrix. They are very generous for scores in the 30’s, and Utah is one of the easier states to establish residency for tuition purposes. Most of these are easily searchable online.
Thanks for the feedback guys and girls! My ACT score from the September test should come in tonight at midnight so I’ll post what I got. Fingers crossed!
HUGE difference. One takes you to ivy range one keeps you at tier 2 schools
Good luck. It’s 12:04…
I got a 32! English 31, Math 35, Reading 30, Science 30!
Superscore: 33 Composite, English 31, Math 35, Reading 31, Science 33!
I am so excited! Now I’m in the 97 percentile!
Not too bad for not studying any more since February!
I have another test scheduled. 32 is already so amazing I don’t know if I need to take it.
I’m applying to Georgia Tech (superscored), A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Cornell, and Alabama!
Congrats! Especially on the Math.
Thanks:) I know exactly which question i missed too…matricies. Cant complain about a 35 though! Thought for sure I was going to get another 31 because I didn’t study at all for this one. So my question again 31 vs 32 ahahah
Is there a big difference between 31 and 32?
Wow, this whole thread hits semi-close to home. I took the ACT for the first time December 2015 and scored a 31 as well (a 31.25 to be exact, so totally the same!). I just got my ACT score back for the September date and got that “magical” 33, so it is indeed very possible! I wouldn’t stress about it if you feel confident in your 32, but if you have a little bit of “what if” in you (I know I would, but everyone is different), I’d aim one more time. Congrats on that 32! 
Congrats on the 33! I’ve decided I’m not going to work on the next ACT anymore, even though I’ve already paid for it. College essays and applications are going to take up so much time.
Just to let y’all know where I’m applying:
University of Alabama
Vanderbilt
UT Austin
A&M
Rice
Georgia Tech
Cornell
Purdue
@Jpgranier nice work! 32 is very solid - Free tuition at Bama! Well done.
If your applying to candy smu is very similar I’m at smu my bestfriend is at vandy I’m visiting him this weekend and trust me they are very similar. Excellent back up
What’s everyone thought on a superscored 35 vs a single-sitting 34 (achieved twice). I have twin DD’s who were both lucky enough to achieve those goals - now it’s time to submit ED at some of the top LAC’s to see what happens…
@jamesk2014 what kinda of merit scholarship did you get at SMU? Sadly Vanderbilt was taken off my list. I’ve narrowed it a little bit to:
Alabama
UT Austin
Texas A&M
Rice
SMU
Georgia Tech
Cal Poly
WashU
@Chembiodad there’s no real difference between a 34 and a 36 in the eyes of the school.
@Jpgranier - good list. What is your safety school?