Graduating those pivotal high school years often marks a new chapter filled with both exciting possibilities and daunting questions. Chief among them – what to do about college entrance exams?
If you didn‘t take standardized tests like the ACT yet, or want to improve your scores, is it still worthwhile to sit for them post-diploma?
As a university admissions coach with over 10 years of experience, I‘m here to walk you through everything to consider around taking the ACT after finishing high school.
In this comprehensive 3000+ word guide, we‘ll explore:
- 5 great reasons to take the ACT as an older student
- Strategic timing to retake the test
- My best methods to raise your score
- How to register and send scores properly
- Plus answers to common questions
Let‘s get started!
Why Take the ACT Again Later?
First, is retaking college admission tests after high school graduation uncommon?
Not at all! In 2021, 55% of 1.3 million ACT test takers sat for the exam more than once to improve their scores. As an adult learner, you‘ll join students aiming higher amid competition.
Here are 5 great reasons why taking the ACT again can be a smart choice:
1. Improve Your Score to Access More College Options
It‘s quite reasonable to need a second try at a complex 3-hour exam covering English, Math, Reading, and Science. In fact, ACT‘s own research shows 54% of students increased their Composite score by 3.1 points on average when they retested.
With an improved ACT score, you can:
- Meet thresholds to apply at colleges initially out of reach
- Gain admission into competitive programs
- Unlock additional college credits through placement
All this expands your freedom to choose an optimal path, institution, and major aligning with personal and career goals.
For example, communications major Jamie took the ACT twice, boosting her score from 25 to 29. This let her successfully transfer into her state‘s top journalism college after community college.
2. Qualify for More College Scholarships
Beyond just admission, academic merit aids are awarded partly based on grades and test scores.
U.S. News reports that studens with ACT scores in the top 25th percentile qualify for the most financial assistance. With the national average at 19.8 in 2022, set your sights higher!
Take the University of Alabama for instance. Students who score between 33-36 out of 36 there receive a Presidential Elite Scholarship. This award covers full tuition, housing, meals, fees…potentially over $200,000 in aid!
Retaking the ACT opens access to academic scholarships reducing the crippling costs of higher ed.
3. Showcase Strengths When Applying After a Gap Year
Over 35% of incoming college students now take a break after high school graduation. This "gap year" is spent traveling, interning, working, or just decompressing from academic burnout through activities.
Danielle backpacked Australia for 8 months before applying to colleges with a renewed sense of purpose.
If you apply after a gap year, having an updated ACT score on your application sets you apart by showcasing the latest demonstration of your abilities.
Rather than submitting old scores from junior year, use your gap year time to also brush up academic skills and master the ACT.
4. Meet Testing Requirements After Switching Majors
As academic passions evolve, many students change intended college majors, sometimes more than once! Different programs can have varying testing requirements.
For example, STEM and health science degrees often expect higher ACT Math and Science subsection scores. The national average Math score for a nursing major is 22, vs only 18 for journalism majors.
When Anthony pivoted his interests from business to computer science, he retook the ACT to highlight stronger Math and Science scores needed for that major.
If your existing scores misalign with your new major‘s expectations, retake the ACT to accurately showcase your competencies.
5. Apply Test Optional Policies Strategically
Over 60% of colleges now offer test optional admissions without requiring SAT or ACT scores. But is submitting them still an advantage?
The answer is yes, if your scores strengthen your academic profile. Average test scores of admitted students still hover around 28-32 at many competitive universities.
So while tests are no longer barriers, standout ACT performances can still catch admission officers‘ eye amid piles of applications!
When Should You Retake the ACT Exam?
If you decide retaking the ACT fits your academic objectives, timing is crucial. Avoid cramming; plan intentionfully around these effective windows instead:
Over Summer Before College
Summer before freshman year is ideal for retaking major standardized tests. With lighter schedules, recent high school grads can fully dedicate energy towards intentional prep.
41% of students retaking the ACT do so during summer months to maximize score improvements from focused practice. You also ensure updated results reach colleges before application deadlines.
Many students find intensive summer "test prep bootcamps" effective as well. These rapid power courses provide drilling, simulations, and teacher support leading up to chosen exam dates. Investing in these services can yield major score bumps compared to solo study.
During Fall of Your Freshman Year
What if you take a gap year, attend community college first, or require prerequisite remediation? The fall of freshman year, when preparing to transfer into a 4-year bachelor‘s degree program, presents another strategic chance.
Use your time in a different academic environment to develop strengths. Then demonstrate your growth by excelling at the ACT when you retake it. This showcases a clear trajectory of achievement.
For example, after spending a year in community college math courses, Tyler retook the ACT in October and increased his Math subsection score from 19 to 25 – a score better reflecting his abilities.
After Finalizing a New Major
As mentioned before, changing intended majors may necessitate an ACT retake if your existing scores fall short. Save yourself the stress by being proactive.
Register to retest around the time you finalize your new major choice. Then you can submit target scores programs in that area expect from competitive applicants.
Expert Strategies to Increase Your Score
With some diligent preparation, it’s possible to raise your ACT score significantly compared to previous attempts.
As an ACT perfect scorer and professional tutor training students since 2009, I want to share my highest-impact methods to unlock major improvements:
Step 1: Analyze Your Previous Score Report
Make your old score report your first study buddy. Understand which sections and question types you performed well or poorly on.
For example, Natalie broke down her scores to reveal weaker Grammar and Science Reasoning abilities.
Customize practice materials and effort allocation towards weaker domains, while polishing existing strengths through maintenance. Aim for consistent incremental growth across the board.
Getting stuck analyzing? Consult your high school teacher, academic advisor, or an ACT tutor to help interpret results shaping your customized improvement plan.
Step 2: Focus Practice on Weak Areas
Diligently practicing "problem zones" pays off hugely. For ACT English, complex grammar may trip you up. For Math, geometry theorems may seem impossible.
Laser in on those concepts through online video programs, workbooks, tutoring, and full-length practice tests. Identify weak spots, then train skills through repetitive concept-focused drilling.
By incrementally improving weaknesses, you fill gaps and gain confidence. With enough quality practice, you can turn weaknesses into new strengths.
Step 3: Take Full-Length Practice Tests
Mimicking official ACT testing conditions during practice reveals useful gaps to inform final preparation while sufficient time remains. After full-length simulations, check each incorrect answer pattern to extract lessons.
Many respected ACT prep providers like Kaplan Test Prep offer full online practice exams with video explanations, customizable study plans, and focused skill building modules.
I suggest learners take 5-7 full practice tests in the months before retaking the ACT. Leverage these to maximize your score potential through purposeful skill building.
Step 4: Invest in Additional Test Prep Resources
From books to online tools to tutors, prep resources created by experts provide structure, accountability, and the latest test-taking techniques.
The ACT format evolved in 2020 with section reordering and more advanced questions. So newer materials aligned to the updated exam design are most effective.
Options range from self-guided learning to personalized coaching – choose what suits your budget and learning preferences. Over 1 million students yearly invest in some form of test prep.
Registering as an Older ACT Test Taker
If you‘re retaking the ACT post-high school, you still register normally but should understand policies for adult examinees. Here‘s what to expect:
Pick From Available National Test Dates
As an older student, you remain eligible for all national test dates based on seat availability. In 2023, these are:
- February 11
- April 15
- June 10
- July 15
- September 9
- October 28
- December 9
Registration opens 5-6 months prior and closes about one month before each date. Sign up ASAP once registration opens to secure a spot!
Understand Retaker Registration Policies
Confirm ID document and admission ticket requirements for your state. While exam fees may be waived in certain cases, students retaking as adults most commonly pay the full $60 base price for the multiple choice ACT, or $90 with Writing section included.
Get detailed policies at ACT.org to avoid surprises!
Send Updated Test Scores to Colleges
When registering to retest, name 4 schools to receive your score reports for free. If applying soon, list your top choice institutions.
After you test, access your ACT account to pay and send updated results to additional colleges at $14 per report. This allows you to widely showcase your academic talents.
Final Call to Action
As you chart life‘s course beyond high school‘s comfortable familiarity, don‘t let past test scores define your potential without fully realizing your strengths today.
Taking the ACT again opens doors to more college options, financial aid, and growth experiences empowering your journey ahead.
With some strategic planning around timing and preparation, retaking the ACT after graduation can help you gain admission to optimal programs aligned with personal and career goals.
I encourage you to sign up for an upcoming ACT test date that fits your schedule. Invest the time to practice intentionally. You might surprise yourself by how much you can accomplish with focused effort!
Wishing you courage and clarity,
[Your Name] ACT Perfect Scorer and Admissions Coach