Hey guys, I recently took the ACT and ended up with a score of 19. I'm not sure if this is a good score or not, and I was hoping you could give me some insight into whether I should retake the ACT or focus on other parts of my college application. Thanks in advance!
Hey there! A score of 19 on the ACT is considered below the national average, which is around 21. However, whether or not this score is "good" depends on your own goals and the colleges you're aiming to attend.
If you're targeting more competitive colleges or looking to increase your chances at merit-based scholarships, it would definitely be a good idea to retake the ACT, since higher test scores can improve your application. Improving your score even just a few points can make a significant difference in terms of your chances of admission to certain colleges.
That said, the importance of test scores in the admissions process varies from school to school. Some colleges have test-optional policies (meaning they don't require you to submit test scores) or are test-flexible (allowing you to submit other test scores, like AP or SAT Subject Tests, in lieu of the ACT/SAT). In recent years, there has been a trend towards a more holistic review of applications, meaning that other aspects of your application, like grades, essays, and extracurriculars, can carry a lot of weight as well.
In summary, it's a good idea to retake the ACT if you're aiming for a higher score, but don't forget to also focus on other aspects of your application. Balance your time between test prep and investing in your extracurriculars, coursework, and essays, so that you can present a well-rounded and compelling application to the colleges you're applying to. Good luck!
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