My daughter's ACT score - should she retake the test?

I would say retake the test, it could easily be the difference between getting accepted and being turned down.

If she believes that she can improve more than a point or two, and she has the time not only to retake the test but to do any necessary studying, then she should probably try again. One point won't do that much harm if the rest of her record impresses the admissions committee, but a higher score will help to confirm her academic achievement and give her more of a safety net.

The only bad thing about retaking the test is the money that you pay to take it. Colleges only look at your highest score, and sometimes will even take the highest of each section, and create a best-case composite score. So even if she bombs, she'll still have her 21. And I'm sure she'll feel much more comfortable having taken the test before, so she knows the types of things she's in for. In a competitive market for admission and scholarships, it can never hurt to be above the recommendation.

From my experience, I don't think she needs to re take the test. I don't think it would hurt, but chances are she'll only score a point or two higher anyways. I think the fact that she has a high GPA and is in the top 25% of her class means more. I only scored a 22 on the ACT and got into the college I wanted to and I had similar scores that your daughter does GPA/class rank wise.

Since she does have such a high GPA (and hopefully some good extracurriculars) it shouldn't be a problem. She should probably take the SAT as well. It depends more on how competitive the colleges are that she is applying to and the size. The may take one look at her app and throw it away based on that, depending on how strict their weeding out process is.

well if your daughter has a GPA higher than ever..and hoping she got back up with volunteer progams...I advise your daughter to call the adminstrater at the school she wants to go and tell them about her grades and if any volunteer programs she got, and tell them her ACT scores, she may just get in..or she may have to right them over

I know in Arizona, the schools will accept either SAT or ACT, or both. It does not have to be both. Perhaps if she scores better on the SAT, they will overlook the point on the ACT. But if you have the time and money (what is it, like $30?) then there is probably no harm in retaking it, rather than risking her not getting into a school!

I think she should retake it. It could make a difference if it is between her and another student getting in. Plus she will be more prepared to take it the second time because she has a better idea of what to expect, which in turn could make her score even higher.

21 is an overall average it would seem. No, i would not have her retake the test, SAT scores are very important! Sounds like her GPA is going to be a good positive also for admissions. Congrats too by the way! You must be a proud mom!!