Everything I’ve seen about benefits of getting a perfect score on the ACT is about the fact that it’s possible to get a full ride at some schools given the high ACT score, assuming a good GPA too. One school that keeps coming up is Alabama, but that only requires I believe a 32. Another benefit I’ve seen is that it puts you above the average ACT score at literally every single school, which can be helpful in terms of admission. I was wondering what benefits there are of literally getting a 36, not just a good ACT score. Are any scholarship opportunities available for only people who got a 36? Do any schools have programs available just for people who got a 36? Thank you!
D got a 36 in 2014 and we went through the selective college admissions process this year. For some colleges, a very strong standardized test score when combined with a strong GPA with rigor will increase significantly your chances for merit aid. Having said that, we did not find huge differences between students with a very strong score like a 34 and the 36. It is not a silver bullet. In fact, if your GPA is not extremely high as well it might raise other questions. Perhaps you should rephrase your question more broadly - are ther scholarship opportunities for students who are extremely strong academically? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that having a perfect ACT or a perfect SAT in and of itself really positions you that well in terms of admissions. The students who get into Stanford or Harvard have strong test scores like this but they also have some unique talent and exceptional ECs. If you would like, PM me and I can send you a list of the top scholarship programs at a number of top US colleges.
Potential for Presidential Scholar, but no scholarships go with it - only recognition.
The benefits of getting a 36? Never, ever, ever having anyone ask you “So, are you gonna retake it?”
(Not what you were after, I know, but it’s all I can come up with.)
A 36 is certainly much more impressive than a 32 or 33, but it’s not much better than 34 or 35. Once you get to a 34, there really isn’t much difference.
There are no programs that I know of that reward a 36 in particular, and I would be genuinely surprised if there was one.
I cannot think of a school that offers a special program for a 36. It is a great accomplishment and like any very high standardized test score, it will set you apart.
Are you wondering if it is worth retaking the test to get a perfect score?
This is usually asked in terms of “I got a 34 but know I could have gotten a 36 if I tried harder/studied more/didn’t stay up all night before” etc.
The answer is, it depends on where you are applying but generally retaking a very high score is silly and a wastte of time. Harvard average ACT score is 34, 25th percentile is 32, and 75th percentile is 35. 36 is unnecessary.
If you are trying for Harvard, retake a 32. Otherwise, if you have a 34 or higher, be happy and spend time on other things.
FastWeb
Merged two identical threads
To clarify, I’m not asking because I’m considering retaking, I’m asking because I got a 36. Thanks everyone for all the responses!
I think a 36 gets you a nomination for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.