Is retaking worth it in this case?

Colleges & Universities Duke University
1

<p>I got a 32 ACT, and they (Duke website) said that the latest you could retake the ACT is in February. However, I’m not sure I’ll have the time to prepare and improve to a 34 or even a 33. </p>

<p>I realize Duke would be a reach either way, but is a 33 that much different from a 32?</p>

2

<p>A 32 is good, a 33 is better, and a 34 is very good.</p>

3

<p>Are you applying for Trinity or Pratt?</p>

<p><a href=“http://admissions.duke.edu/images/uploads/process/DukeClass2017Profile.pdf[/url]”>http://admissions.duke.edu/images/uploads/process/DukeClass2017Profile.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>A 32 would place you below the 25th percentile for Pratt, whereas you’d be in the middle-50 for Trinity. Like sherpa said, a 32 is good, but a 33 or 34 are better, particularly in a competitive admissions pool.</p>

4

<p>jibber: I suggest you retake the ACTs, due to:

  1. The RD acceptance rate is almost certain to approximate 10 percent (possibly less, with near 50 percent of '18 already selected in ED).
  2. The stats cited by purplecorn clearly indicate that your ACTs fall below the statistical “competitive advantage” level.
  3. We have no idea re your GPA, ECs, recommendations, essays, interview results, and so forth; however, you may – and only you can assess and determine this – need a superior standardized test score to be truly competitive.
    I am NOT trying to discourage you, but I believe the foregoing rationale is compelling. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>I am applying to Trinity, purpleacorn. </p>

<p>Thank you for the that, TopTier. I did not find that discouraging, and I see exactly what you’re trying to say. </p>

<p>I feel the rest of my application is strong, however I guess I’m only having second thoughts regarding retaking it because of how selective Duke is and how competitive the RD pool will be – putting in the time might not be worth it, especially since Duke is the only school on my list that would accept the February ACT.</p>

6

<p>If Duke is your top choice, it’s worthwhile retaking ACT. If not, don’t waiste your time and effort.</p>

7

<p>jibler wrote:</p>

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<p>I applaud your commitment to preparation for the ACT - simply taking it again without preparation is all-too-common among students (and almost always fruitless).</p>

<p>Another variable to consider is that many scholarships have firm test score cut-offs. If you are planning to apply for a large number of scholarships, having a 33 or 34 will likely open many opportunities for you, even from a February test date.</p>

8

<p>Really? I haven’t really seen scholarships with that cut-off. I’ll look into that.</p>

9

<p>Ok this is how I think of it. a 32 is good score, it will “qualify” you for most schools (meaning it gets you into the discussion, past that stage imo) but its not enough to help you if you know what I mean? It could even hurt if the pool this year has alot of top ACT/SAT scorers and as per trends, that is likely… But then again you have to think of it from Duke’s standpoint, they will already know that you have the 32 and that you are retaking it in a month or two so that score will reach them barely before admissions standpoint…and if you do get a 34 or even a 35, I do not think it will be the difference between an acceptance or rejection because it is so late…I recommend you don’t take it.</p>

10

<p>My friend got into UChicago with a 32. Her essays were fantastic. Spend the time perfecting the rest of your application instead. Good luck!</p>