If a kid scores a 24 on ACT would you encourage them to take it again if they were going to a state

[greenbriar]

1A state college?



She is 16 and a sophomore. She freaks at tests and is graduating one year early.


I am pleased with this score and I know she is in the top 5% in her class.

I am inclined to say well done

[Debi]

1. Yes

If they have the time to re-take it. Can't they provide their highest score w/their transcripts?

[aikoaiko]

2. It depends on the the criteria and actual admissions ACT average of the school.

[greenbriar]

6. she is going to a small state college and has scholarships in music

so I am thinking it is pretty good

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. Is that a new scoring matrix for the ACT or is that 24 total?

its been a while.

[Horse with no Name]

14. Yes. There is a new scoring matrix for the new ACT

and what I took back in the stone ages.
Don't ask me what it is...that is just what I was told when I went back to school this last year.

[LisaM]

4. Wait! Do you know that he or she will do better?

Or has the kid topped out?

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

5. Well, they might could get in, it really depends on the school.

There are a few lists out there that have the mean ACT score of accepted students of colleges. I don't recall where, but if you want I can try to dig it up. 24 is a little low, so if the money is available, I would get a prep book from the library and take it again.

[On the Road]

7. Yes

Even if she doesn't like tests (and maybe especially if she does), the second time is likely to go better. Tests are important even if grades are good.

[truebrit71]

8. Agreed. My kid just got a 30 and will re-take in a few months or so...

..

[Harry Monroe]

20. I recall 30 being a perfect score

What is the top score now?? I took the ACT in the Stone Age!!

[Harry Monroe]

21. Oh wait, perhaps the top score was a 36?

I forget, but now that I think about it, I believe it was a 36

[truebrit71]

22. Yup. Top score is 36.

...

[Harry Monroe]

23. It's been a LONG time since I took that test!! Thanks!!

[JerseygirlCT]

24. We did SAT, not ACT, but the second time was a definite improvement

though the 1st time wasn't bad at all. I think some more studying, plus a whole lot more comfort with the process made a big difference.

Other than the cost, I'm not sure there's a big downside.

[benld74]

9. Nothing but numbers, sorry

My opiniom, is that is is just a number, one of many she will get in a lifetime. It's what one does after the schooling that counts. Personally, I did lousy on tests. Got a 17 on my ACT back in the 70's. Am now in the IT industry, have 2 undergraduate and 2 post graduate degrees. My older sister on the other hand, made straight A's all through school, went to nursing school and hardly ever used her degree. Both of us were lucky in the family department. Just support them in whatever they do and you cannot go wrong.

[madaboutharry]

10. I am a little confused. Has she already been

accepted to this college? If it is a done deal, why would she take it again? What would be the point?

[Warpy]

11. Some people suck at tests

I worked with enough brilliant graduate nurses who just couldn't pass the boards to save their lives to know tests aren't an accurate measure of knowledge or competence.

If this score got her into school, let it ride. If she needs a higher score (meaning some Dean of Admissions is too lazy to do his/her job), then have her take a course in testing strategies. There are usually services advertised at her school; if all else fails, cruise the net for one.

A course in strategy will keep her from freezing on the test, which is the main problem so many otherwise intelligent and capable people face.

[etherealtruth]

12. Yes, yes, yes

[Horse with no Name]

13. I would say job well done and leave it at that

the statistics are that most will only improve their initial score by a couple of percentage points (at least this is what my daughter was told when she took hers over...and over...and over.
In the end...it your child is going to a state college, generally the top 10 are guaranteed a spot WITHOUT the test.
Job well done!

[lonestarnot]

15. Job well done and fuck the test!

[demmiblue]

16. Yes, but it would depend on the school.

CollegeBoard.com is a great website that you can use to lookup admission info for any school.

As others have pointed out, she will probably do better the second time around. Also, the highest ACT score stands... that will alleviate a lot of the pressure when taking the second test!

[demmiblue]

17. Ignore this if she was already accepted!

[Feron]

18. It depends on the school.

I got a 21 on my ACT and along with a high GPA got into LSU without a problem. Since my score was within the requirements at the time, I never retook the test. I never do well on standardized tests.

I would research the school and see what the requirements are. Then based on that make the decision to retake or not.

[jsamuel]

19. drink a frappachino a 1/2 hour before the test, helps keep you alert

[Ilsa]

25. Hmmm. Maybe a little hypnosis to help with her testing nerves? nt