So far I’ve taken the ACT three times and all three times I’ve scored a 33. The first and second time I didn’t study at all and then the third I spent my entire summer studying just to get the same score (UGH). I thought I would for sure have a 34 this time since I was one subscore point away from getting it the second time, but here we are. What I need is advice on how to progress from here. I always hear that 34s, 35s, and 36s are generally counted as about the same for Ivy admissions. So how much would my chances increase if I were able to up my score that last point to get into the 34+ range? And is it worth taking a fourth time or does that look bad? Should I consider switching to the SAT? I only have one more ACT testing date that I can do before the testing deadlines and there are three SAT tests I can sit before the deadline as well. How important is that last point to Harvard?
As far as other information, I got 760 and 770 on my two SAT subject tests. I’m on the officer team for four extracurriculars (president equivalent for three, vice president for one) plus held down a 15 hour a week job throughout high school. No hooks. For class rank I’m second out of about 550 students.
So what do you think I should do from here about my ACT score? Retake for the last point? Leave it be? Try my hand at the SAT?
@TomSrOfBoston Seriously, was that comment necessary? It’s a really stressful time and I’m just trying to figure out what the best course of action for my applications is. I’m confused what you get out of being rude to stressed out teens on the internet.
Yes, you’re fine. If the rest of your app is good enough for an Ivy, one point on your ACT will not make a difference. I’m sure you already know this, but Ivy admissions are such a crapshoot that that one point on the ACT won’t be significant at all. Don’t take any more tests.
Might not have been put very tactfully, but I think what he was trying to say (I hope, anyway) is relax a little. Tons of people with 33 get into Ivy League and similar schools, and tons don’t. As I am sure you know, lots of people with 34-36 don’t either. As others have said, if you focus on presenting what you bring to any school beyond an extra ACT point, you will maximize your chances. If you get in, of course it is all moot. If not, then it would be impossible (and 99% odds that it would be wrong) to say it was because of a 33 on the ACT. You just have to accept the fact that these schools are exceedingly difficult to get into and that you can be happy and have a great career after attending other schools.
Having said that, give the SAT one shot. If you get a great score like 2300, well then super. If not, nothing lost except some time, but at least you exhausted another option.