Variability of ACT scores

[vegangirl]

<p>For those of you who've taken the ACT multiple times in a fairly short period, have you ever noticed a score decline? Or have your scores either remained consistent/improved? </p>

<p>I ask because I took the ACT as part of state testing in Colorado and got a 34, but no writing section was offered. Therefore, I have to take the whole darn thing over again for college applications. I'm planning to apply early to a school, so I really only have one shot (the october test) at getting a good score. I don't expect to best my current score, but should I worry about it going down much?</p>

[Shobhit2006]

<p>well, with a 34, chances are that in the retake, your score will go down by 1 or maybe 2 pts. It might stay the same, however, and the chances of it going to a 35 are pretty slim. But if you retake, I doubt they'll fall lower than 32. </p>

<p>BTW, after taking ACT with writing, send in BOTH scores (your 34 and the one you take in October)</p>

[Visali]

<p>There is a rumor that the ACT test is easier when it's a state test. Do you understand what I mean? The ACT you took in school is easier than the real test offered on Saturdays. So, expect your points going down a couple of numbers. </p>

<p>You could always send both of them in like the person above suggested.</p>

[Mrs.Ferguson]

<p>The makers of standardized tests make every effort to make every version of the test equivalent, which means differences in difficulty must be very small. Furthermore, the score conversions are designed to adjust for even very small differences in difficulty. That's what standardized means. The state ACT is "real". Students may find it easier, perhaps because they don't have to get up on a Saturday to take it, because there's less pressure, or for a hundred other reasons; maybe some of them find it harder. But if that rumor were true--if it were really easier--it wouldn't be a standardized test, and colleges wouldn't accept it.</p>

<p>Vegan, you already have a great score you can send to colleges, so try not to stress about the October test and you'll do fine. With six months between tests, you'll be a little smarter, and you've had more testing practice. Just go in with confidence, and don't think about the writing test until you get to it.</p>

[julyinoh]

<p>I got higher after my first time as a 34. So don't lose hope.</p>

[vegangirl]

<p>thanks, everyone:)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
and i think i will send both scores. i don't know how much they'll consider the one without writing, but at least they'll know i got a 34 once if i score lower this time...</p>