Okay, so I’m really stressing out about this. I took the ACT three times, and I think I did really well the last time. My first two attempts… not so much. Like, really not so much. I’m planning on applying to some pretty competitive colleges (think Ivy League type stuff), and I’m worried they’ll judge me harshly if they see how low my earlier scores were.
So, will colleges see all my ACT scores, even if I only submit the one I want them to consider? Is there a way to choose which scores they see? I’ve heard things about "Score Choice," but I’m not entirely sure how it works or if all colleges accept it. And does it matter if I took the ACT with or without the writing portion? I’m mostly worried about the reading, math, and science sections. Any advice is appreciated! I just really need to know what to expect and how to present myself in the best possible light.
Answer
Whether colleges see all your ACT scores depends on the college’s specific policy, but generally, the answer is no. The ACT has a feature called Score Choice, which allows you to choose which scores you want to send to colleges.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it works and what you should consider:
1. ACT Score Choice:
- The ACT’s Score Choice policy gives you the power to decide which test scores you send to colleges. You are not obligated to send all of your scores.
- You can select scores from a single test date or multiple test dates to send.
- You can send scores even if you didn’t improve on a subsequent test; the choice is entirely yours.
2. College Policies Vary:
- Score Choice Accepted: Most colleges in the U.S. accept the ACT’s Score Choice policy. This means they will only see the scores that you officially send to them through the ACT. However, it is extremely important to check the policy of each individual college to which you are applying.
- Superscoring: Some colleges engage in "superscoring." This means they take your highest scores from each section across multiple ACT test dates to create a new, highest possible composite score. If a college superscores, you will likely want to send them all your scores so they can generate the best possible superscore for you. Check the college’s website for their specific superscoring policy. If they superscore, it will typically be explicitly stated.
- "All Scores Required" (Rare): A very small number of colleges might require you to submit all of your ACT scores. This is increasingly rare. If a college has this policy, it will be clearly stated on their admissions website. If a college requires all scores, there’s no way around that requirement if you intend to apply.
- Honesty: It is crucial that you are honest with the colleges to which you apply. Attempting to hide scores from a college that requires all scores could have serious consequences for your application.
3. How to Send Scores:
- During Registration: You can designate colleges to receive your scores when you register for the ACT. You usually get a few free score reports to send at this time.
- After Testing: You can order additional score reports to be sent after you receive your scores. This is done through your MyACT account on the ACT website. There is a fee for each score report you send after the initial free reports.
- Official Score Reports: Colleges only accept official score reports sent directly from the ACT. Self-reported scores on the application are used for initial evaluation but are not considered official. You will need to send official reports for admission.
4. Checking College Policies (Crucial Step):
- College Websites: The most reliable way to determine a college’s ACT score policy is to visit the admissions section of their official website. Look for sections related to standardized testing, application requirements, or FAQs.
- Admissions Offices: If the website isn’t clear, contact the college’s admissions office directly by phone or email and ask about their ACT score policy.
5. Factors to Consider When Deciding Which Scores to Send:
- Significant Score Improvement: If you significantly improved your score on a later test, you will probably want to send that score and may choose to exclude older, lower scores (unless the college superscores).
- Inconsistent Scores: If you have widely varying scores across multiple test dates (e.g., one score is very high, and another is significantly lower), carefully consider which scores best represent your abilities.
- Superscoring: As mentioned, if a college superscores, sending all your scores is generally advantageous.
- Error on Test Day: If you had a bad experience on a particular test day (illness, distraction), you may want to exclude that score (assuming the college accepts Score Choice).
In summary: The ACT’s Score Choice policy usually allows you to control which scores colleges see. However, you must verify the specific score policy of each college to which you are applying to ensure you meet their requirements and make informed decisions about which scores to send. Don’t assume all colleges follow the same policy.
