<p>Okay so I literally just got my ACT score report... I didn't reach my goal, and got a 31 composite. Is that really awful to Harvard though? I am retaking it FOR SURE however I just want to know, from former, future, or current Harvard students, what is a good ACT score for Harvard? (36, I know, but anything more reasonable?)
Here's my breakdown:
English: 34
Math: 28
Reading: 32
Science: 28
Essay: 9 Combined English/Writing: 32
I want to be a literature major, so I'm hoping colleges won't look down on me too too much because of my math and science scores, but I still want to get each up to at least 30-31 that way I can get an overall average of at least 32 (assuming I do slightly better in reading and my essay). That brings me to another question: what is a good essay score for the ACT? I was pretty disappointed with a 9 but I don't know what my goal should be... I don't expect to get above a 32 on math or science because those have always been my weaker subjects, but I didn't even finish reading so I know I can improve that now that I'm familiar with the test. I'm beyond grateful for any advice! with the exception of advice like "give up now" because negativity is wasted energy.</p>
<p>See Harvard’s Common Data Set, CD 9 Data: <a href=“http://www.provost.harvard.edu/institutional_research/CDS_2011-2012_Final.pdf”>http://www.provost.harvard.edu/institutional_research/CDS_2011-2012_Final.pdf</a></p>
<p>For the ACT, Harvard’s 25th percentile is a 31 composite, meaning that 75% of admitted students had a 31 ACT or higher. So, you’re within Harvard’s range, but at the lowish end. </p>
<p>FWIW: You really need to work on your math, as the ACT math section is very straightforward and basically tests knowledge of material you should have learned in your freshman and sophomores of high school. If you’re going to re-take the test, practice each section with an egg-timer set to 5 minutes less than the allotted time, as the ACT is all about time management skills. Google “ACT math tips.”</p>