<p>So I got a 34 on the ACT. Pretty happy with that. But I was so close to a 35 (34.25). However, everyone says that to be competitive for admissions to an elite school, you must get a 35+. How does a 34 adversely affect me in terms of admissions?</p>
<p>Everyone who? I think a 34 will put you at the top 25% of every school in the country, with maybe just a few exceptions (CalTech probably). </p>
<p>If you have a 34, other factors will decide your admission, a 35 is not going to put you over the top if you don’t have those factors.</p>
<p>And no one is really fooled by moving from 34.25 to 34.5 being a 35. I understand the desire to do it, I know a kid who wanted the 36 after having a 35, and he got it, but it’s not really going to make a difference.</p>
<p>The difference between a 34 and 35 is negligible. At this point, it comes down to other factors, such as your GPA or ECs.</p>
<p>inconsequential.</p>
<p>Seriously, I know people with 30s who have been accepted to Stanford, MIT, and Cornell. Why would they care?</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter. For example, I’m not retaking my 35.25 ACT because colleges don’t really care about a few points here and there as much as what you do with your life (which should come through in your essays and stuff).</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. It just worries me for the ivies, especially as an Asian. Everyone around here and at blogs says you need a 35+. But really, will it affect my chances at ivies?</p>
<p>Not if you are otherwise interesting. If your ECs are orchestra, swimming, and debate, you’ll just be another Asian drone, no matter what your test score. But if you’re a rock climber, painter, and an Eagle Scout, you’ll be different enough from the stereotype that you won’t have to compete on test score alone. </p>
<p>Even if you are the typical Asian stereotype, find a way to start making yourself not look like one - have something else to write about on your application. If you’re a junior, you’ve got nearly a year, including a whole summer, to do something different.</p>
<p>Whatever you do please don’t retake that 34.25!!</p>
<p>If anything, the act of doing so may only bias adcoms against you because they perceive a person who is wholly obsessed with number perfection. As others have said you have already proved exemplary performance on standardized testing. Use the remaining time to further distinguish yourself on extracurriculars!!!</p>