<p>I’m currentley a junior in high school and have had a successful high school career. I take challenging classes, earning mostly A’s and a couple high B’s, having a current GPA of 3.90. I’m also involved in figure skating and school clubs. I’ve also taken full advantage of my summers off by participating in college programs ranging from 1 - 3 weeks in length, 2 summer internships, and a part time summer job (for one summer). Volunteering during the summer and 1 - 2 times per month during the school year and a leadership position in a club is also part of my accomplishments in high school. The problem is my ACT score. I’ve taken it twice, earning a 22 the first time, and after some tutoring a 24. For the colleges I’m planning on applying to, Boston University and Northeastern are my top picks, I will obviously need a higher score to gain acceptance. I plan on working hard on ACT prep, getting a better tutor and taking many practice tests, before the June test (giving me about 2 months). I’m hoping to earn at least a 27 on the ACT before applications in the fall (also being able to take it in Sept if necessary). Is this possible? And if it ends up less than that, say a 26, would that really hurt my chances of admission in my top pick schools considering my other accomplishments? Thanks!</p>
<p>You sound like a great applicant who should have some good options. I don’t know what scores are expected at your target schools, so I can’t comment specifically, but I can tell you that low test scores will definitely hold you back from better colleges. You are smart to recognize this and to try to focus on test prep.</p>
<p>As I said, you seem like a great applicant. Work on test prep, try to bring your scores up, and you’ll do well. Good luck.</p>
<p>Hey college1216,</p>
<p>Because you are currently a junior in high school, I encourage you to prepare for the ACT to ensure that you earn a higher score. I know you’re already pursuing ACT prepping, but I really do encourage you. Make it a commitment. I don’t know if it will apply to you but when I was a junior I kept telling myself I would prep for the ACT. However, I didn’t make my commitment and waited until my senior year to prep. You still have a lot of time–from now to this whole summer to be exact, depending on your plans. I’d recommend using self-prep materials such as ACT test prep books from The Princeton review or something that overall helps you prepare. I don’t recommend using test prep booklets made by the ACT though such as “The Real ACT Prep Guide.” They get really technical in that book and expect you to memorize many concepts that may not even be on the test. The Princeton Reviews ACT guide offers various techniques and strategies to ace the ACT. Of course, it depends on what kind of learner you are though . . . If possible, you can check your school or local library if they have the two test books (there’s multiple versions of them varying from year to year) and compare them. See which one you like. There are other services; however, those are the most affordable and they were what I used. </p>
<p>ACT scores don’t make or break admissions decisions; however, they are important. Although an ACT score won’t define you, (you’ll have the opportunity to speak for yourself and paint your own picture of you in the personal statements) having a higher score will help admissions officer see that you are the full package.</p>
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I’m not saying that you shouldn’t prepare for the ACT but some students got into Boston, Stanford, etc. with ACT scores like 26 and 27. =] Do work hard though and try your best on the exam! I’m rooting for ya.</p>
<p>Do it yourself at home exam prep from CCs own xiggi: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggis-sat-prep-advice.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggis-sat-prep-advice.html</a></p>
<p>This works fine for ACT too.</p>
<p>Do you understand why you aren’t doing well on the ACT? Do you always run out of time? Do you get nervous about your answers and have to check them again and again? Do you have trouble keeping track of which question goes with which row of ovals on the answer form?</p>
<p>Each of those difficulties has a different solution. Make sure that your tutor is evaluating the reasons for your difficulties and helping you find the best way to work around them.</p>