Superscore discussion

[HelloKitty14]

Hello all,
My first attempt at the ACT resulted in a 33 (35, 29, 34, 33) my second attempt resulted in a 34 (30, 33, 35, 36). As you can see, I forgot how to do math on the second attempt which irks me because I know math is weighted very highly. Because admissions can look at individual tests, would it be wise to endure another round of time-sucking studying and take the upcoming free ACT to try and shoot for a higher composite/math score? Or would it be best to sit back, work on other endeavors, and allow the superscore to take care of everything? Any input is appreciated.

 

[MrSoapman]

If it's free, I don't see why taking it could hurt. You could totally shoot for that 36!

My experience: I took the ACT 5 times. I had a solid superscore of 33 the second time I took it, but I took a free one after that, then I took another free test bringing my superscore to 35: English 35, Math 34, Reading 36, science 36. I decided to take it again just to shoot for that 36 since I was so close, but unfortunately I didn't make any better scores.

You could always try for a better score! I would personally advise you to take all the free tests because they can do nothing but help. But if you think your superscore already speaks for itself, then it's up to you.

If you are a candidate for C/O 2026, I don't know if you can get your scores in in time though. If you aren't, then good luck!

 

[Small_Goose]

Academically those scores look dare I say "good enough" for USAFA. An ACT score above 33 will put you approximately in the top 25% percentile of the entering class per the admissions website.

My advice would be to start looking at other ways you can make your application more competitive and well-rounded. It doesn't matter if you have a 36 on the ACT if you can't meet the minimums on the fitness assessment. Make sure you are well prepared for the CFA, and doing well in your high school academic courses. Make sure you are involved in some type of sports/extracurriculars, earning leadership positions, and gaining leadership experience that you can draw on for your interviews.

At the end of the day, if you are killing everything then it can't hurt to take another swing at the ACT. Just know that there is a good chance you are reaching diminishing returns and doing it for your ego.

 

[PyroSweets]

I took the ACT a multitude of times, with intensive Khan Academy sit-down sessions in between each. On my second-to-last attempt, I got a 34, and was satisfied. However, knowing I could give it one more shot, I studied my hardest and got a 35 on my final attempt, and I couldn't have been more happy about my decision. I recommend that you retake the ACT, and even try the SAT to see if you get more competitive scores, because you might regret it if you get a TWE with the knowledge that a slightly higher math score could've helped your case. It really depends on how competitive you are in other fields and other factors, though, and whether or not you should be prioritizing those instead.

What are your CFA scores? If you fall below the most recent cadet average in any CFA subscore, prioritize improving that score above all else. Your 34 is competitive enough that improving it would not help you as much as improving below-average physical scores.

How busy are you? While most people have enough free time to put more effort into a standardized test, it's very possible that you don't. Do you take care of any elderly family members? Do you work a job out of necessity to support yourself or anyone else in your family? What is your course load in school? Even so, getting a better test score will be a perfect experience in working through adversity, something that nomination panels and the academy loves, and something that will help you if you end up receiving an appointment.

Can you afford it? I know perfectly well that standardized tests are not at all cheap. If you are struggling, reach out to ACT at <https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html>. You can take tests for free if you're eligible.

Your 34 is very impressive, but I'm sure that you'll be more satisfied and happy with a higher score. Based off of your account creation, I'm going to assume that you are an applicant to the class of 2027. Good luck on your journey, and shoot for the moon!
"We do today what others won't so that tomorrow we do what others can't." - My cross country coach, Mr. Lebsach

 

[HelloKitty14]

I took the ACT a multitude of times, with intensive Khan Academy sit-down sessions in between each. On my second-to-last attempt, I got a 34, and was satisfied. However, knowing I could give it one more shot, I studied my hardest and got a 35 on my final attempt, and I couldn't have been more happy about my decision. I recommend that you retake the ACT, and even try the SAT to see if you get more competitive scores, because you might regret it if you get a TWE with the knowledge that a slightly higher math score could've helped your case. It really depends on how competitive you are in other fields and other factors, though, and whether or not you should be prioritizing those instead.

What are your CFA scores? If you fall below the most recent cadet average in any CFA subscore, prioritize improving that score above all else. Your 34 is competitive enough that improving it would not help you as much as improving below-average physical scores.

How busy are you? While most people have enough free time to put more effort into a standardized test, it's very possible that you don't. Do you take care of any elderly family members? Do you work a job out of necessity to support yourself or anyone else in your family? What is your course load in school? Even so, getting a better test score will be a perfect experience in working through adversity, something that nomination panels and the academy loves, and something that will help you if you end up receiving an appointment.

Can you afford it? I know perfectly well that standardized tests are not at all cheap. If you are struggling, reach out to ACT at <https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html>. You can take tests for free if you're eligible.

Your 34 is very impressive, but I'm sure that you'll be more satisfied and happy with a higher score. Based off of your account creation, I'm going to assume that you are an applicant to the class of 2027. Good luck on your journey, and shoot for the moon!
"We do today what others won't so that tomorrow we do what others can't." - My cross country coach, Mr. Lebsach

Thank you for replying. I got a 35 on Math on the 33 composite and a 30 on math in the 34 composite. My main concern is that the academy will look at the individual tests and not just the superscore. Is that the case or are the lower tests score disregarded?

 

[FeedingFrenzy]

Thank you for replying. I got a 35 on Math on the 33 composite and a 30 on math in the 34 composite. My main concern is that the academy will look at the individual tests and not just the superscore. Is that the case or are the lower tests score disregarded?

Admissions will super-score all the individual ACT tests that you send them. My DS sent his two best ACT tests to Admissions, and shortly thereafter his portal reflected the correct super-score between the two exams. To be crystal clear... he did NOT have to ask ACT test company to do the super-scoring for him or ask them to send a super-score to USAFA. He originally sent just one test score to USAFA, but then got a better score a few months later and sent that separately. USAFA then looked at both exams they had in their possession and populated the super-score into his portal. Good luck to you and "keep on truckin' " as they used to say back in the day.

 

[PyroSweets]

Thank you for replying. I got a 35 on Math on the 33 composite and a 30 on math in the 34 composite. My main concern is that the academy will look at the individual tests and not just the superscore. Is that the case or are the lower tests score disregarded?

They will superscore, as @FeedingFrenzy mentions in comment #6. Best of luck!