Hi,
I’ve gotten a 32 on the ACT on the Feb and April tests. My breakdown barely changed- it was first 34-32-31-30 and then 35-32-30-31. I have a tutor and I know that I can reach my goal of a 34 but am not the best test taker. My top schools are Brown, Tufts, and Columbia. I know that a 32 is low for these schools, so should I take it again? I barely have any practice material left because I’ve been studying for so long. Is it even likely that my score will improve at this point?
I got three 32s in a row, then shot up to a 34. Keep trying.
Your score can improve, but I’m not sure it’s necessary to kill yourself trying to get a higher score at the risk of everything else suffering (GPA, ECs, other standardized tests, etc.). C32 is pretty high. And if your other areas are really strong, I wouldn’t stress. Maybe take another shot in June, you might get lucky and get another pt or two. But don’t let this test overwhelm and suffocate you and your other areas. The ACT is important to an extent, but those other areas are more likely to be even more important.
bump bump
Be happy with your 32, but take it again in June and RELAX. You will probably do better by virtue of having the experience of taking it 2 times. I wouldn’t invest a lot of study time as much as a little practice time on the science part. Look at some online practice - it is the one that just seeing the many ways they can present the data can help your score jump. Could also do a little practice math but again, don’t sweat it, just go in with the attitude that you have nothing to lose by taking it again. Good luck!
You say you are not the best test taker? Do you understand what your test-taking difficulties are pretty specifically. If you can pin-point specific areas, I suggest you spend your time improving your test-taking skills. ’
Now about your scores. Standardized tests are designed so that a student earns comparable scores across multiple dates of taking the test. The technical word in reliability and means accuracy in measurement. Of course, there can be larger swings in test scores, but that isn’t common. I think most of large swings are do to something in the test situation such as panicking, illness, poor test environment, or extraordinary luck one way or the other.
On your computer, look for pictures of normal curves and open the APA version with vertical lines and comparable scores. The normal curve is an arithmetic way of organizing scores with reliability (accuracy) and validity (test really measures what it says it measures). Note that the scores in the middle of the entire normal curve (plus or minus one standard deviation. Two-thirds of scores fall within these limits (16 and 84%iles) which is the broadly average range. When scores are within this range, test scores are very compact and are more amenable to change–not drastically probably. When you get to the small portion at either end, the scores are spread over the standard deviation and it is harder to get the score to move up or down much. Your scores fall at the upper end, so earning a 34 is more difficult than moving from one average score to another.
I think you can make yourself nuts trying to get a higher scores when overall your scores are very nice. I think people forget that there are many possible questions and very few duplicates. Thus, thinking I only need two more points to earn X score is likely based on your prior experience with a particular version. You probably can identify those items that you would get correct now. Alas, you won’t see them again. You are starting over with new questions.
Given your personal background, you may find one version easier or more difficult than another. However, you are already doing nicely on repeated versions.
My advice. Work on only those things you can change such as test-taking strategies, relaxation techniques, diet, amount of sleep, and those things that make you feel better such as a haircut or new jeans.
@thewisewillrise8 I was under the impression any ACT score can be deleted so that colleges only see whatever a student submits. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
The difference between a 32 and 33 or 34 is not a difference that matters. Put your time into more important endeavors. No college that denies you with a 32 will accept you with a 33 or 34.
I have the same problem! I keep getting the same ACT and the section scores varies but the composite is the same. I agree- you don’t need to get a 34 because if everything else is top notch then the ACT score won’t be the dealbreaker here.