Son took the ACT (second time) and his composite is 33. He raised all section scores except math (his lowest) where he received the same score as the first time he took it (30). He did prep between his first and second tests. I told him not to retake the ACT. Let it go, move on.
He wants to take it again as his goal composite is a 34. He is not interested in pursuing a STEM degree or STEM focused college. Is there a benefit to retaking the test for a 3rd time?
I think part of this depends on your son’s college list. Both my kids were told the “gold” standard based on their goals was to get a 34. Like you, I thought going for another point or two was a waste of time, but I let them make the decision and they studied to achieve that score on their own. No tutors, they booked the test date etc and we stepped back. It wasn’t a hill that we wanted to die on as parents and both our kids were self motivated to take it again. Our message all along was that their original score was strong.
Yes, as achieving a composite score of 34 can make a difference in the admissions process.
Additionally, your son may benefit psychologically from knowing that he gave it his best efforts. If the student is willing to prepare and undergo further testing, then why not ?
At s24’s school the difference between a 33 and a 34 is $1K+ in renewable merit aid.
Unless the cost of the exam or logistics are serious considerations, I would let the student take the lead.
My thoughts on this: If he wants to re-take it, let him re-take it - give him the satisfaction knowing he tried his hardest to get the 34 composite.
Unless he’s applying to schools like Georgetown that require all scores in all attempts, he can choose to submit the 33, or a superscore if he does better in one of the sections on the 3rd try.
I don’t mean to be reductive here, but I don’t understand the debate. He wants to take the test again to aim for a higher score. Unless the issue is financial, I don’t fully understand why he wouldn’t be empowered to make that decision? (Now, whether he “should” or “needs” to take the test again is another question entirely. The answer to THAT is: it depends on which schools he is applying to.).
If he wants to re-take, it is fine. This way, however things turn out, he will never have to wonder “what if.”
If your child wants to give the ACT another go as long as they are not putting undo stress upon themselves and it is not a financial burden, I fail to see any reason to be against them doing so!
He wants to take it.
So why not ??
If you were pushing him to take it and he had no interest, it’s different.
In this case, let him take it. Worst case he does worse. He’s still in great shape and there’s no second guessing….what if?
Totally. My son did. 34 is like the gold standard as stated. Have him really work on his weakness and review his strengths. A really good review book is the 5lb Act book. My son thought it was harder then the real test. Tons of practice tests.
If he really wants to give it his all. Have him weekly before the test,wake up at the time he would for the test . Do the same routine for getting ready. Maybe drive him to a library or have him go somewhere quite at the same time of his test and take a real practice test. Same breaks etct.
Many, many students use this method. It’s tons of work but many have found it helpful. Have him review the math sections with this math teacher to see what he is not understanding.
Good luck.
Funny. My son’s 6th and final time got him $4k more automerit. And his 3rd or 4th time got him accepted to a summer program that previously turned him down.
It can help and certainly won’t hurt.
Here’s what ACT says about retaking it. The average number of times students take the ACT is 2-3 times.
I agree with others. If he wants to take the ACT again, unless financially it’s not feasible, I’d let him take it. It’s up to him and it’s great to know he wants to improve and succeed.