According to its Common Data Set, MIT’s middle-range ACT Math score profile spans from 34 (25th percentile) to 36 (75th percentile).
I’ve noticed in this and other threads that you focus a lot on one’s rank as a key determining factor for top schools. What about schools where the rank is gamed? In my kid’s school, the students who take “off” periods and/or no electives (the electives aren’t weighted) are always valedictorian/salutatorian. If you take orchestra, band or theatre, you’re out of the running for top 1-2%.
@ChezCurie : The reason why rank is so important is that during committee rounds, the admissions officers will take a look at the applicant slate. This is organized by HS, and then by state. At the top of each docket will be the student with the highest stats. They focus on unweighted GPA and rigor of coursework. For schools that don’t rank (most of them don’t anymore), they will try to estimate your rank based on previous applicants and other sources.
There’s a reason why valedictorians and salutatorians have an easier time getting into Ivies – thats because they focus on the rank. It certainly is possible for students outside of the top 5 to get accepted to the big name schools, but they often have to have some compelling reason.
@sgopal2
I’m probably the top 2% of the class, but again my school doesn’t rank.
I didn’t know they did a virtual fair. And for this year I would not have been selected to attend ISEF in my region.
@ProudTyy
@ merc81
Yeah, I’m retaking the ACT to get my math higher. The last time I took it was April 2019 so it has been a hot minute.
Top 2% is awesome. I think you have a decent chance. Good luck!
@spgopal2
Thank you! As long as I get a better math score and write some impactful essays lol
Fabulous news: I received my ACT scores back and I got a 33 on the Math portion. I currently stand at Composite: 34 with Math: 33 Science: 35 Reading: 35 and English: 34.
Nice!
I like @merc81’s suggestions for you, especially since you’re one of relatively few students who would have a realistic chance of getting into excellent choices for environmental studies like Colby, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Hamilton and Pitzer.