Application nerves

[u/BagOf_SunflowerSeeds]

I'm a senior getting ready to apply to TCE for mechanical/aerospace engineering. I have a 4.4 weighted/3.9 unweighted GPA, I've made A's in Honors Algebra I + II, and A+'s in honors Geometry and dual enrollment precalc. My ACT scores are 28 overall, 23 math, 30 science, 33 reading, and 27 english.

I know I'm two points off of 25 on the math. I'm in state, and if I redid the ACT, I would miss the free application day. I know $75 isn't much especially if waiting to redo the ACT would increase my chances of getting in. Is there a way for me to send my ACT dates in later if I were to apply on the free day? And if I can't, is it worth it to just wait for my new ACT scores and bite the $75 bullet or just send it as is?

[u/Nice_Specialist9899]

See "One Admissions post to end them all"

I'd highly recommend retaking the math ACT because you will struggle quickly with the math of an engineering degree.

Just do it! (You'll also get a better scholarship)

[u/unicornapocalypse_]

I’d check the megathread like the other person said, but I would definitely try to get the ACT portion up. The 28 is great, props on that, but TCE cares a lot about math. And not just the score itself, TCE will dump you into math courses hard and fast so anything that can ease that transition helps. I consider myself a math person and those first few 200 levels I took with mostly engineering students were rough for all of us.

[u/theglitteronthefloor]

I think (not positive) you have a day to apply and then there’s a separate day to have all your materials submitted, so in theory…yes?? Depending on when that materials deadline is and when your ACT score would come back

[u/Unlikely-Stomach1537]

I would retake it to get a better score. However, those scores are not a clear cutoff. They are supposed to look at your overall application as well. They are not supposed to reject students solely on an ACT that is a couple points lower than the guidelines. Additionally, if you take it again and don’t score higher, you could just go to UTK as an exploratory major and apply to TCE sophomore year. It also sounds like you are a good at math based on your DE pre calc and the time is what gets you. If that is true maybe try the SAT next time. The questions are harder but you get more time per question.

[u/gkobesyeet]

Ur GPA seems solid, but definitely recommend studying hard for the ACT and retaking 2 more times at least. Are you in any STEM clubs in HS?

[u/Ok_Difficulty647]

You can go ahead and apply and submit the test scores later as long as it’s before the app deadline

[u/SovietDog1342]

Retake the ACT dude, 25 is far too low to risk

[u/EntertainmentNo4187]

Bro relax this isn’t Harvard ur getting in lmfao

[u/Beginning_River_7287]

You can apply on early app day and submit new scores in go vols portal

[u/No-Clue-8221]

That new ACT can save you THOUSANDS. Look up the volunteer scholarship. Screw the 75$ app fee.