<p>I feel like they put a lot of emphasis on high standardized test scores, so do they really look at all factors equally? I have a 32 act which worries me, but everything else is more than solid. I just get the impression based off of their website ect that their process is a bit rigid. Is this true? Would admissions overlook a "low" act score if everything else is really good?</p>
<p>Yes, they will overlook a 32 if everything else is truly “really good”. In fact, the Common Data Set proves that at least 25% of the incoming freshmen have a score equal to or lower than this. Think of it this way, if Manti Te’o had a score of 31, do you think he would have been rejected? He had other qualities in his application that were more than “really good” - specifically his ability run fast and tackle other large men.</p>
<p>However, many students with a 32 ACT assume that a 3.8 UW GPA, or top 10% class rank, or 3 AP classes is “really good”. Individually, each of these is solid, but at the low end of the range for admitted students.</p>
<p>I’ll have 10 aps by graduation, top 1% of my class with a 98 uw/ 99.7w avg, 2 season varsity athlete all 4 yrs with a bunch of accolades to follow plus im captain of them, I have spent 2 summers doing research and will have entered about 5 competitions for it, won a national writing contest, am nhs President and have 2 other leadership positions in clubs…That’s what’s the other part of my app, so would I be fine early action with my 32 do you think?</p>
<p>I’ll have 10 aps by graduation, top 1% of my class with a 98 uw/ 99.7w avg, 2 season varsity athlete all 4 yrs with a bunch of accolades to follow plus im captain of them, I have spent 2 summers doing research and will have entered about 5 competitions for it, won a national writing contest, am nhs President and have 2 other leadership positions in clubs…That’s what’s the other part of my app, so would I be fine early action with my 32 do you think?</p>
<p>No admissions office looks at all factors “equally.” It looks as though you have a solid application. Unfortunately, because Notre Dame and other top schools get many more such applications than they can accept, lots of students with great credentials are turned away each year. Check the admissions decisions threads for past few years. For the great majority of applicants who are neither clear admits nor denies, there is a large element of luck involved.</p>
<p>I would agree with you that your ACT score is the weakest part of your app. Your other qualifications appear well within the range for admitted ND students. The admissions office lists six criteria for consideration:</p>
<ol>
<li> Test scores</li>
<li> Academic performance</li>
<li> Rigor of courseload</li>
<li> Extracurriculars</li>
<li> Essays</li>
<li> LOR</li>
</ol>
<p>Your test scores are low (but in the middle 50% range). Three other areas appear good for you. Your chances are probably above average (15%) for all applicants.</p>
<p>I got in with a 30 last year and my class had the most applicants and the lowest acceptance rate in admissions history. There’s never going to be one thing that wont or will get you in. The admissions process is not routine in any way. There are so many factors, some outside your control, that play into it and attempting to figure out the system is a waste of time. All you can do is turn in the best resume you can and have confidence that your hard work in high school will pay off. You application looks fine to me. If you’re really interested, I’ve spoken directly to those who work in admissions and while test score are important, the rigor of your classes and how well you do in them is more important</p>
<p>Thank you fish! Did you apply regular or early if you don’t mind my asking?</p>
<p>Regular. But if you dont get in early decision you can always get differed to regular and then you’re application will get mixed in with the other regular applicants and then reviewed again. If you dont get in regular then the waitlist is still a possibility. But don’t worry about that until you have to, just be patient. I think you have a good shot. I’ve heard of a few people getting in with 29s on the ACT and I haven’t met a single person who scored above a 33 so don’t worry so much about your score.</p>
<p>Manti Te’o is good. If you are as good, you will get in even without a 32.</p>