I’m a junior and I’ve taken the ACT three times and I’m not sure if I should take the test again because the next time I’ll be able to take the test is in September of my senior year. I’m happy with my score but I’m not sure if it’s good enough for where I want to go/what I want to do. I’ve taken the writing all three times and I’ve gotten a subscore of 8/12 the first two, I haven’t found out about the third yet. I’m looking to apply to Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Auburn and NC state. A lot of people in my school are going to classes or getting tutors, and I have been debating it but I’m not sure when I will find the time. It seems like my scores have leveled out so I’m not sure how much higher I can get, you know?
First time:
Composite: 27
English: 29
Math: 23
Reading: 30
Science: 27
Second time:
Composite: 29
English: 24
Math: 26
Reading: 32
Science: 33
Third time:
Composite: 30
English: 26
Math: 26
Reading: 32
Science: 35
[College Name] ACT 25% 75%
Ohio State 27 - 31
Michigan State 23 - 28
Penn State 26 - 30
Auburn 27 (Could only find the average)
NC State 26 - 31
As you can see, your best composite (30) is within or above the 25-75 percentiles. You will not be turned down at these school because your ACT was not high enough. But if you need your ACT to make up for low GPA or a lack of leadership and EC’s, a 30 ACT score at Ohio State, Penn State, and NC State is not enough to make up for another category that could lower your chance of admittance. Getting a tutor will help raise your score to maybe a 32, but just know that these schools will not turn you down because of your ACT score.
I am not sure a tutor will help you. Your scores tell me you have more than mastered the materials. I suspect more practice with real tests will help you identify any careless errors. Most students will make their target score if they cut down the careless errors.
Thank you both so much, I think I have a pretty strong resume and such so that could help me. Maybe I’ll do more practice on my own.