I am a rising senior with an ACT score of 33 (29 English, 32 math, 33 reading, 36 science). My writing score was a 6, so I’m preparing to take it again in September. I’m taking the SAT II in Chemistry, Biology-M, and Math 1 in October, and I’m confident I will do well on biology and chemistry. My extra curriculars are very arts heavy and I have recieved state-wide recognition in vocal performance.
If my ACT score does not improve, are schools like Princeton not worth the application fee?
Princetons 25-75th percentile range is 31-35. Improving by a point or two would help, but not that much.
I would retake to bring up the English and Writing scores.
For future reference, how should I approach 25-75 percentile data? At what threshold does an application become realistic without family connections or another big “hook”?
If you want to apply for elite schools, I recommend taking Math 2, not Math 1.
bump
“For future reference, how should I approach 25-75 percentile data? At what threshold does an application become realistic without family connections or another big “hook”?”
I guess you need to define what you mean by “realistic” but in general, if you are an unhooked applicant, you’d want your scores to be above the midpoint.
@NickFlynn How about for an Asian vs white applicant. To a school like Duke where the middle 50% for admitted students is 31-35, what should the score be for a white, unhooked applicant vs an Asian, unhooked applicant? 32+ for White?
Honestly, I think way too much is made of this issue, and I would advise any Asian to assume they are going to be treated fairly in the admissions process.
Year old data shows Duke is 21% Asian, and given their location versus the Asian population, I don’t see any reason to believe that they are penalizing Asian applicants in any significant way.
Your demographic only makes a marginal difference in ACT interquartile ranges. Once you get at or above the 50th percentile, you’re fairly good to go. It’s more important to put your time into essays, reccomendations, etc. A 33 is great!
For the “bumper sticker” schools your test score will not get you in. Period.
You want to make sure your test score will not exclude you from getting in.
Would you say a 32 for a white male applying to Duke’s school of arts and sciences is sufficient enough?
A 33 puts you at or above avg for Every school in America. It is nothing to worry about. Once Your ACT is that high you just need to make sure you seem like and interesting applicant that colleges would like to admit.