<p>I'm a high school senior who got a 36 composite on the ACT last march. I realize this looks pretty good to most schools, but I was wondering how important scores like this actually are to top-tier schools. I'm applying to 3 ivies, including harvard, and people keep telling me I'm definitely in, but I feel like schools like this look more for academic/extracurricular standouts (people really good at something specific) rather than high test scores. Does anyone have any insight on this?
ps, I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA and got a 2380 on the SAT as well, but again I don't know how much the top schools actually look at these scores....</p>
<p>Ivies and the like have low admission rates (around 10% or worse or somewhat better). 80% or more of those who apply have high GPAs and test scores. They have been known to reject valedictorians and those with perfect GPAs and test scores. Having a 4.0 unweighted and 36 ACT gives you a better chance than most for admission but that simply means your chances have improved to at best about 30%. Your essays, your ECs are improtant and often make the difference between being admitted or not.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your 4.0 and excellent scores. For Harvard and its peers those stats won’t be enough, though. As drusba notes, they have many, many high stat applicants and turn to ECs to differentiate among them.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your 4.0 and excellent scores. For Harvard and its peers those stats won’t be enough, though. As drusba notes, they have many, many high stat applicants and turn to ECs to differentiate among them.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Studies have shown that a 2400 has roughly a 40% admit rate at HYP, so you are in pretty good shape.</p>
<p>^ Can you please cite the studies?
Thanks</p>
<p>A recent valedictorian at my d’s high school with a 36 ACT was rejected by Harvard and Stanford. She seems quite happy at Yale. You should do well with admissions, but it’s definitely not 100%</p>