<p>I really liked the Reading section, actually. I anticipated getting like a 33-34 (on most practice ones I’ll be careless and get one or two wrong), but I got a 36, even with my attention level dwindling while reading some of the passages. </p>
<p>Math, on the other hand… I hate math. So much. 11-point disparity between my highest scores and my lowest score. COOOOL.</p>
<p>As stated on the ACT website…
“Writing scores have no impact on your ACT Composite score”
Just to clear up any confusion
Classof12and16- no need to worry :D</p>
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<p>There are a few schools that offer merit aid based solely on scores. Alabama is one that is often mentioned on here. There are others too. Check out school websites. It is VERY nice having the “bar set” if financial considerations are a factor. Then, one can apply to other schools to see if they match the publics or are close enough to be worth the difference. When you reach the SAT/ACT milestones these schools send out info detailing their financial aid. While one hasn’t technically applied yet, short of a major flaw in the application, one can pretty much assume acceptance.</p>
<p>^ Do I understand correctly that if you reach decent SAT/ACT scores (say, a 35 ACT), the schools will automatically know and send you financial aid information?</p>
<p>My son who has scored high enough to be in many college’s ranges has received letters and pamphlets that, in part, detail out merit aid and whether such aid is competitive or automatic (probably sent bulk to those who scored high enough). I don’t know if everyone gets these or if they just target certain demographics. We are not minorities.</p>
<p>Some other colleges with these policies I’ve heard about via word of mouth. They aren’t usually the “top” colleges in prestige or rankings, but rather, tend to be those who want to work their way up in the rankings and are trying to draw in the top of the top. It works. I know of many who choose a free or nearly free education over debt or a large bill. We may do the same. This son is a current junior.</p>
<p>And yes, it can inspire kids with a high 20 or low 30 to retake trying for a higher 30. Low 30s are good scores, but higher 30s can get a bit of aid at the right places.</p>
<p>I just checked out Auburn and U of Alabama and they both have what I think you’re referring to:</p>
<p>[Out-of-State</a> Scholarships - Undergraduate Scholarships - The University of Alabama](<a href=“http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html]Out-of-State”>http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html)
[Office</a> of University Scholarships - Auburn University](<a href=“http://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/academic-scholarships.html]Office”>http://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/academic-scholarships.html)
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<p>Is it really as simple and sure-shot as it seems to get these if you meet the academic criteria? Because as you can read in my personal thread (<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1084018-huge-need-financial-aid-good-student-not-sure-where-start.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1084018-huge-need-financial-aid-good-student-not-sure-where-start.html</a>), financial aid is basically the only way I’m going to college and it seems like it would almost be better to go to one of these schools that cover most, if not all, of the tuition through institution-based scholarships rather than spending a lot of time doing QuestBridge and other scholarship programs.</p>
<p>Also, is there a list or a discussion thread that mentions more schools that offer these kind of scholarships?</p>
<p>^ Yes, those are the types of things that I am referring to. This thread is older, but has some schools that could bear looking into as I fully suspect you’d be competitive for merit aid at many places. Make sure you don’t send your SAT scores - stick with the ACT.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/52133-schools-known-good-merit-aid.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/52133-schools-known-good-merit-aid.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks! Yeah, as soon as I got my ACT scores, I went onto the College Board website and changed my May 7th SAT scores that were set up to be sent to the same four colleges my ACT scores were sent to. Sadly, I had signed up for the SAT (this will be my second time) before I got my ACT scores, and I believe I’m obligated to show up?</p>
<p>^Why not take the SAT again since you are already signed up. It can’t hurt as long as you don’t have the scores sent anywhere until you see what they are. If they turn out good, that’s another arrow in your quiver.</p>
<p>Based on your other thread, you may also qualify for significant need based aid, so don’t overlook schools who offer 100% aid without loans. Actually, don’t overlook much as many schools offer attractive packages to students who fill a niche in their class. </p>
<p>My personal thoughts based on the other thread are that you would be an attractive candidate wherever you apply. Don’t let that fool you into thinking you will be accepted everywhere, but it can’t hurt to try schools you are interested in. Have a financial safety or two in some of those “guaranteed aid” schools, but also apply to others you like to see what happens.</p>
<p>FWIW, that’s the same info I’m giving my son. His financial safeties are likely to be Pitt, Alabama (or UAB - hasn’t decided, but qualifies at both), and possibly Baylor. Of those three, only Alabama guarantees full tuition with a chance to be competitive for a full ride, but his stats make him a good candidate at the other two as well. Pitt has rolling admission and they give out their award money quickly. If that one comes through for him he might not even apply to the other two as Pitt is better ranked in his field (Pre-Med - unsure of major yet). But he will still try for his dream schools and see what comes through. He’s a small class lover, so would love for one of his LACs to come through. Time will tell.</p>
<p>Since he wants med school, it’s important for us that his pre-med be inexpensive, but good. Since my guy just got commended in our state and missed NMSF, we’re skipping the SAT and just going with the ACT. His ACT score is quite good and it saves us money/time. If I had already paid the money, it’d have been a different story.</p>
<p>My ACT scores finally arrived almost a month late. At least they went up a point.
C:35 -> 36
E:35
M:35…
R:36
S:36
Essay:11</p>
<p>Damn, I wish I had those scores (I got a 34), but I did beat you on the Writing (I got a 12!).</p>
<p>How the eff do you guys do so well on Reading?</p>