ACT Scores from October

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

Hi everybody

I am retaking the ACT on October 24th and I plan to get at least a 33. I do not want to apply with my current ACT score.

However, my problem is that I want to apply Early Action (deadline November 1st)

Can I submit my CommonApp without self-reported ACT scores from a previous sitting and apply in the beginning without any ACT scores at all?
I would put Havard as score recipient from my October scores that it’d receive these scores ASAP. (Multiple choice scores will be posted online November 10th.)

(Harvard’s website states that they prefer test scores from October, but November scores would also be fine… )

2

Yes, you can send in your Common Application indicating that you will be taking the October 2015 ACT test, however your application will be considered incomplete until those scores are received.

3

@gibby thanks for your answer.

But if I’d do it just like you said, would they still consider me for the EA round?

4

Yes, they’ll consider you for the EA round PROVIDED they receive your test scores. If you are sick on the day of the test and don’t take it, or the scores don’t arrive, your application will be considered incomplete as test scores are a required element of an application.

5

@gibby Thanks to my strong immune system I haven’t been sick since 2 years so I doubt that I’d be sick on test day. So the only complication could be that my scores wouldn’t arrive. What’s the probability that this actually would happen? Does it happen often?

6

Another question: The Multiple Choice scores start coming out on November 12th, but the writing scores would come out earliest on the 16th or probably on the 23rd…
If I added Harvard as score recipient in advance when would they get the scores? Only after the writing scores came out?
If yes, is there a way to let them earlier know about my scores? Screenshot in an email?

7

Sometimes student’s get nervous before a test and fail to have the test scores automatically sent to Harvard. So, it does happen, but not often.

8

@gibby thank you so much for your insights! They’re much appreciated.

Could you please also take a look at the other question I posted one minute before your answer (#5)?

9

Yes, Harvard would get the scores – and no need for a screen shot. Most colleges these days get their test scores electronically sent to them from the College Board with a secure link in an email. Which is why colleges insist that student’s don’t pay for rush delivery, as scores arrive the day they are available. So Harvard would get two notifications (1) The day your writing score comes out, and (2) the day the multiple choice scores come out. And FWIW: Scores are bundled together via an Excel-like spreadsheet with all other student’s who are having their scores sent to Harvard: https://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap/scores/reporting/for-colleges

10

@gibby thanks a lot! Does this apply only for the SAT or also for the ACT? I’m just wondering because you’ve posted a collegeboard link.

I was talking about the ACT and I do not intend to take the SAT I.

11

It applies to both the SAT and ACT, so no worries.

12

There are BIG problems with the ACT this year. Many people who took the test in September do not have scores yet, or at least scores with writing, and the ACT will not send incomplete score reports. The new essay has complicated things, and ACT is not properly staffed to handle it. They sent an email to colleges yesterday asking them to accept screen shots, but most schools will not accept them.

October 24 scores are not guaranteed until Christmas, after EA/ED decisions come out. I would actually check with your target college to see what to do.

13

On Sunday I was at a 1,200 person info gathering. An H rep said that Oct would be no issue. Frankly he said even Nov would likely be considered.

14

I just don’t know how they will get the scores. The September scores may not even be in on time, and the ACT is only promising October scores by Christmas. What was the rationale for saying colleges would consider the October ACT?