ACT 22 or 21 - Which to send?

Test Preparation
1

<p>In contrast to the typical post about scores in the stratosphere, this one is aimed at the average kid who is hoping for a half-way decent, not that well known, small private liberal arts college and realistically hoping for some reasonable (but not necessarily spectacular) financial aid. So concerned about ACT impact on both acceptance and financial aid. </p>

<p>Case 1 - ACT composite score of 21. All subscores closely grouped in low 20s and none lower than 20.</p>

<p>Case 2 - ACT composite score of 22. Somewhat wider spread of subscores with some higher than in Case 1, but with one (math) dipping into the high teens.</p>

<p>Is it better to send Case 1, Case 2, or both? Why?</p>

2

<p>They don’t seem all that different. I’m guessing Case 1 was something like 20, 21, 21, 22? And Case 2 was something like 18, 22, 22, 24? Overall, the second group looks better. Is there anything keeping you from sending both? Then you have a chance they’ll just consider your highest score from each section. From what I understand, however, most just look at the composite, in which case you definitely want to send Case 2.</p>

3

<p>Personally, I would send both (especially to your top choice). The college will likely take the highest score from each section (check the school’s policy though). You have nothing to lose except a few extra dollars.</p>

4

<p>Does it really make a difference since he is only applying to an average school?</p>

5

<p>^ why wouldn’t it matter? his scores aren’t good but they probably match the schools he’s applying to</p>

6

<p>his scores are average.</p>

7

<p>I would send both because although colleges use the highest overall score for accepting you, some use the highest of the individual scores for figuring out which classes you should take.</p>

8

<p>I would definitely send both.</p>

9

<p>My daughter had the exact same issue, though her scores were somewhat higher – but there was one set with a higher composite but weaker scores in some subtests than another set with the composite a point lower. She submitted both. I think that’s really the best way to go because it lets the colleges see the best possible subscores overall.</p>

10

<p>Take it again this fall.</p>

11

<p>math is the easiest section to bring up, if you do 5 practice tests this summer, a 24-26 is well within your reach. Thats a big difference between a 21,22</p>