I looked up admissions profiles and most are between 32 and 35 for the middle 50%'s ACT scores.
My breakdown was: 34(english), 29 (math…I ran out of time), 33(reading), 33(science)
I’m more than likely applying into engineering.
it’s ok but you want that math at least 32 since engineering
@andyis if I got a 5 on my AP Calc AB test and am currently taking dual enrollment Calculus 2 do you think that would outweigh my (shameful 
) math score?
I’m not sure a 29 will cut it, especially for engineering. Have you taken the Math 2 Subject test, this tends to weightted more heavily than AP Scores? Also why engineering at an Ivy League? State universities tend to be better for engineering programs.
32 is right on the fence, and that is especially true with a 29 math score, applying for engineering.
32 is the bottom 25% at Ivy Leagues. That means the other parts of your application have to be exceptional.
If you have no hooks (You’re not a minority, not a legacy, not an athlete…) then I would suggest retaking it if you want to get into Ivy Leagues to be competitive.
If you hate the ACT and don’t want to take it again, try the SAT.
Do you want an engineering degree? Shoot for schools where you are in the top 25% and should earn a stem degree. If by some chance you were admitted somewhere with a bottom 25% score, you would probably be weeded out and end up studying something else…
@rdeng2614 I looked at Columbia’s class profile for 2019 and a 32 was in the middle 50%. I’m just worried about the 29 in math really. Do they usually put more emphasis on the composite score? (btw, I’m a minority)
@nevergiveupp I’m taking the Math 2 subject test next month. Honestly, I’m a strong student (top in my class), especially in math, but for some reason the ACT math section is always my lowest! And I’m taking multivariable calculus right now! It’s frustrating.
I’m looking into ivies and other top schools rather than state schools because I don’t want to just get a degree in engineering and be done with it. I’m more interested in the education I will receive and the learning process as a whole.
The middle 50% means 25 percentile to 75 percentile.
I’m looking at the 2017 Class Profile, which states that the middle 50% is 32 to 35.
That means if you’re at a 32, you’re at the bottom 25% of the applicant pool while if you got a 35, you would be at the top 25% of the applicant pool.
I don’t know what schools focus on, the composite or each subsection, but that’s just to give you an idea where you stand among the people applying to Ivy League schools.
If you’re really into the learning process, some LAC’s might be better as they are entirely undergraduate focused (because they don’t have graduate programs). I know Harvey Mudd is really good, but there might be good LAC’s on the east coast as well.
Oh I see! Taking Multivariable Calculus definitely shows strength. Take the Math 2 Subject test and do really well on it and that just might overshadow the ACT Math score.
As for Ivies I see why you are interested. But I encourage you to apply to some state schools as well, they will make you an expert in your intended field.
The mid 50 is from admitted students, not from the applicant pool. Nevertheless, those admitted with lower stat must have something or a hook that catch the eyes of ghe adcom. Note that only a small percentage of students with qualified stat got admitted by top schools. Even you are within the range, ig does nog mean you willl have a good chance.