What if you don’t make your goal score on the ACT? What do you do now?

What If I Don’t Get My Goal Score on the ACT? What Should I Do Now?

The ACT is a major milestone for high school students. For months, maybe even years, you've been preparing, hoping to reach a score that reflects your hard work and brings you closer to your dream college. But what happens when you don’t reach your goal score? It can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! Not hitting your target score isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

Here’s a guide for students and parents on what to do if you didn’t reach your goal on the ACT, and how to move forward.

1. Take a Moment to Reflect

It’s normal to feel disappointed if your score isn’t what you hoped for. After all, you’ve put in a lot of effort. Before diving into what’s next, take some time to process your feelings.

For Students: Give yourself permission to feel frustrated or upset, but don’t get stuck there. Remember, a test score doesn’t define you. The ACT is just one part of your academic journey, and there are always ways to improve and move forward.

For Parents: Be supportive. It’s important to acknowledge your child’s feelings without adding pressure. Reinforce the idea that they are more than their test score and that this is just a temporary setback.

2. Analyze Your Results

Once the initial disappointment fades, it’s time to dig into your score report. The ACT breaks down your performance in each section, which can give you a clearer picture of where you did well and where you need to improve.

For Students: Go beyond the total score and look at the individual section scores—English, Math, Reading, and Science. Did you struggle more in one area than another? Knowing where your weaknesses are can help you focus your study efforts going forward.

For Parents: Help your student interpret the results. Instead of focusing on the total score, break it down together. This will help create a roadmap for improvement and help your child see that there are tangible steps they can take to do better next time.

3. Weigh Your Options

Once you’ve analyzed your score, it’s time to consider your options.

Retake the ACT: Many students improve their scores the second or third time they take the ACT. Consider whether retaking the test makes sense for you. Do you have enough time before college applications are due? Are you close to your target score?

Consider the SAT: Some students find that they perform better on the SAT than the ACT. If you feel like the ACT might not be the best fit for you, look into taking the SAT instead.

Test-Optional Colleges: With more schools moving to a test-optional model, your ACT score might not be the make-or-break factor you think it is. If your score isn’t what you hoped, focus on strengthening other parts of your application, such as your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays.

For Parents: Help your student make the right choice by discussing these options together. If they’re close to their goal, retaking the ACT could be a good idea. But if they’re feeling burned out or exploring other schools, looking at test-optional options or the SAT might be better.

4. Create a New Study Plan

If you decide to retake the ACT, the key to improving your score is a new, more effective study plan.

For Students: Think about how you prepared the first time. What worked? What didn’t? Consider trying a different approach if needed:

• Group courses can provide structure and expert guidance.

• Private tutoring offers personalized support tailored to your needs.

• Self-study works for students who are disciplined and know where they need to improve.

Consistency is key. Make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to review and practice before the next test date. Tools like practice tests and targeted review materials are essential.

For Parents: Encourage your student to find a study plan that fits their learning style. Whether it's through tutoring, prep courses, or self-study, make sure they have access to the right resources and enough time to prepare thoroughly.

5. Keep a Positive Mindset

Remember, your ACT score is just one part of your academic record. While it’s important, it’s not everything. Focus on the bigger picture and keep moving forward.

For Students: Plenty of successful people didn’t get their dream ACT score and still achieved their goals. The key is persistence. Stay positive, keep working hard, and know that your score doesn’t define your future.

For Parents: Help your student stay motivated by focusing on their overall growth, not just a single test score. Your support will make a big difference in how they approach the next steps in their test prep journey.

Conclusion

Not hitting your goal score on the ACT is tough, but it’s not the end of the road. Reflect on what didn’t work, analyze your results, explore your options, and create a new plan for success. With the right mindset and preparation, you can make meaningful improvements and move closer to your college goals.

Remember, the ACT is just one step in a much larger journey. You've got this!

Ready for Your Next Steps?
If you’re looking for more resources to help you improve your score, check out our free webinars, study guides, and tutoring services on our website. Let’s work together to help you reach your goals!

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

ACT Student Study Planner: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/act-study-planner

Master Plan for the ACT Workshop: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/master-plan-act-bootcamp

My favorite ACT resources: https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

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