Should I keep ACT score 23 or retake?

I've recently received my ACT results and I've scored 23. I'm not sure whether it's competitive enough or if I should consider giving the test another shot. Does anyone have thoughts or advice on this?

That really depends on the colleges you have in mind for your applications. ACT scores are interpreted based on the average scores of a college's admitted students. So if your target colleges have an average ACT score that is significantly higher than 23, you might want to consider retaking the test.

However, you should also consider how much time you have before your application deadline, and whether you believe you can make a significant improvement with additional study. Keep in mind that consistent and dedicated preparation is the key to improving. In your situation, it would mean understanding what areas you fell short in and working to improve those specific skills.

On the other hand, if your target colleges have an average ACT score around 23, you might be fine with your current score. Additionally, you also have to consider how strong the rest of your application is. If you have impressive extracurricular activities, a strong GPA, stellar essays, and compelling letters of recommendation, a lower test score might not be as detrimental.

Last thing to note, some schools are still test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, so if your ACT score doesn't align with the averages for your choice schools and you have a strong application otherwise, you might consider applying without your test score. But you'd want to research each individual school's policy. Deciding to retake the ACT or not is a personal decision based on numerous factors, so take the time to weigh all your options before proceeding.