<p>I'm a junior and I recently got a perfect score on the SAT with a 12 on the essay section on the first try. As a sophomore, I got three 36's on the ACT, but because of a bad score on the science section, I ended up with a composite of 34.
Now I'm wondering: should I retake the ACT and shoot for a 36 or just not worry about standardized tests anymore?
And, if my goal is the top Ivies, then what else does it take? What more is necessary than just high test scores? Should I take more APs or SAT IIs now? Or should I focus on other stuff?
Thanks for any advice!</p>
<p>Congratulations. Hopefully you’ll be a National Merit Finalist. That becomes very prestigious.</p>
<p>This is the kind of thought that gets people rejected from elite schools such as Harvard. Do you really think there aren’t hundreds of students (such as myself) applying with perfect standardized test scores AND outstanding applications?</p>
<p>Under no circumstances should you retake the ACT. It comes across as almost “counting coup”. You’ve already demonstrated that you’ve mastered both tests. To retake would seem to indicate that you want a trophy. Top schools aren’t impressed with trophy hounds, but sincere scholars and people willing to contribute to a community. The question for you to consider is this: are you one of those people? If so, then good for you. If not, can you become one. If you can’t, then your chances at top schools is severely decreased.</p>
<p>Congrats on your achievements to date. Best of luck to you. Continue to enjoy your HS career.</p>
<p>You could take SATII"s because you will need them for admission. Take AP’s and courses that interest you…most of all do things that will impress on admissions that you are an interesting person and more than just numbers because they certainly do turn away people with perfect scores. Find your passion and get involved.</p>
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<p>A class rank of #1, most rigorous course load, great extracurriculars, solid essays, and killer letters of recommendation. Curing cancer would be a big plus.</p>
<p>Focus on your EC, SAT IIs. everything that will make you stand out (however, don’t go ballistic here; put your dedication to those few activities that you really like to do. Quality> Quantity). You already taken out a big part of your college application with those excellent scores.</p>
<p>cough, cough, ■■■■■, cough, cough. Honestly if your smart enough to get a 2400, then you should be able to answer this question for yourself. Stop with SAT/ACT!!! You’ve maxed out. It’s all just a waste of time now. Focus on Ap’s, grades!!!, EC’s, SAT II’s, fun, whatever floats your boat, but come on. Is a 2400 enough?? Does a person who gets a 2400 reallly ask this? ^Agree with HarvardBound2012, 2400’s get rejected because of stuff like this. Sorry for the rudeness and sarcasm but really? really? I mean just really? really, really? (SNL anybody??)</p>
<p>“Curing cancer would be a big plus.”</p>
<p>Classic.</p>
<p>Wow. good for you, OP!</p>
<p>Should I send it both scores or just the SAT one?</p>
<p>wow, congrats!!</p>
<p>I think you are set for ACT/SAT</p>
<p>Just maintain GPA but more importantly</p>
<p>Participate in some activities that are not usually done by students
OR
find a unique hobby that you are passionate about!</p>
<p>For essays, i guess get an early start by just jotting down some topics.</p>
<p>Ok thanks for all the advice!</p>