Does a 34 --> 35 make a big difference for selective schools?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>I'm a senior in a small, completely rural community and I've taken the ACT twice before: once in my sophomore year (30) and once my junior year (34). [I scored better in every subject on the second attempt, so my superscore is still a 34.] </p>

<p>I'm very happy with this score, as it's in the 99th percentile in the nation and gives me a competitive edge into schools I'm looking to apply for, notably the Ivys, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, Rice, and Vanderbilt. Just a rough overview: I'm #1 in my class, 4.0 GPA, 13 APs thru HS, all 5 SAT subs with 700+, superinvolved with extracurriculars and have excelled in each, have many volunteer hours, many leadership positions, and I'm confident my essays will at least be good, if not better. </p>

<p>However, these schools are most selective, and I know every small detail matters to their admissions committees. The only small thing I can improve is my ACT score. Do you think it's worth all effort of improving my score by 1 point for a more attractive application? How much of a difference do you think it will make? </p>

<p>I just don't want to make the ultimate blunder and score below a 34 if I choose to take it again. I haven't been in school for 3 months, but I'm thinking a little "warm-up" practice with a practice test may let me see where I am and if I want to go ahead and take the exam. </p>

<p>What do you think?</p>

2

<p>I’d say use that extra time for essays and school work, first quarter grades and essays will make a bigger difference than one point on the ACTs, unless you got say like a 29 on math and you want to major in physics/math. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>You would be better off spending time on essays as kickemoff said.</p>

4

<p>I would say no because both of them are in 99 percentile</p>