I’ve been wondering about the so called “holistic” application review process, specifically for me. I feel everything about my application represents the best of myself except my ACT. Let me clarify:
30 ACT (32 superscore)
SAT II: 790 math II 800 chem
Rank 1/283
GPA 3.9 UW
Most rigorous course load
My question is will everything else I have outweigh the somewhat low ACT score to a certain degree (not entirely, obviously).I also mentioned how my medical condition affects my score in my application, as I got a 33 on a practice ACT when I wasn’t impeded by said condition. If it helps, I’m first gen and URM, with an essay that’s unique to 1 in at least 10,000, a pending world record for something that’s stunned all of my interviewers, the best science olympiad member my school has ever had (that sounds really conceited, but idk how else to put it), a pretty good music supplement, and a solid background in cross country/track. I’ve heard from admission officers that one bad part of an application won’t elicit immediate denial as the review is holistic, but is my score going to get my application immediately thrown in the wastebin before any further review? Do I still have a shot is what I’m saying.
It depends on what type of schools you applied to. A 30 ACT is on the low end for the HYPSM, top LAC types, but for other schools it is fantastic. But, many of these schools utilize the holistic approach, so it may not even be a dealbreaker at top schools.
The rest of your profile is outstanding, so as long as you applied to a solid mix of safety, match and reach schools, you should end up with good results in April, IMO.
That sounds good enough to me. As long as it’s not a dealbreaker. Thank you!
@Anonstudent15 I have heard is that some top colleges auto-reject applicants who fall in a certain percentage based on standardized tests scores, GPA, class rank, etc… But your ACT is excellent and you should be proud of that. You are in the range that they won’t “throw you out” A holistic review will look at everything in your application and determine if you are a fit for the school. That being said, the ACT score could always be improved if you want to. But make sure the rest of your application is unique and stands out from the crowd. From what you stated in your post, it seems that you already have an excellent application so you should not worry.
Good luck to you.
It might hurt you at some super-selective schools, which have the luxury of filling nearly their entire entering class with students whose records are tip-top in all areas, but you still look like a very strong candidate, and that ACT won’t be an instant dealbreaker anywhere–you’ll be considered seriously anywhere you apply, @anonstudent3 .