<p>I have a 2230 superscored (710M, 720R, 800W, 12 essay) but only 1430 out of 1600.
(by the way, i'm more concerned with the 1430 than with the 2230)
I also have a 33 ACT composite (35E, 33M, 34R, 30S, 8E) but i'm retaking for a 34 in June.</p>
<p>I feel like these scores are really low but I don't know what to do. Do you think these are way too low for Harvard?</p>
<p>I do have amazing ECs, I'll admit that; I founded an international and domestic organization which helps latin american orphans and i'm an artist whose work has been exhibited in universities and galleries. </p>
<p>So is it worth applying? Thanks and good luck!</p>
<p>btdubs see the Great Gatsby guys its faaaaaaantastic</p>
<p>In my opinion, I don’t think those scores are “too low” nor do I think there is a significant difference between an ACT composite score of 33 and 34 to give you more of an edge as an applicant. The way I see it is that once you reach the higher end of the range of scores, minute differences in scores matter less and less. Once you pass a certain threshold of test scores, the scores will become arbitrary and they will start looking at other things such as extracurriculars. You definitely could test again if time permits, but also focus on showing your passion and devotion to the extracurriculars you excel at currently. THAT’S what will set you apart: your unique experiences. Top schools such as Harvard have ample applicants who have the numbers to get in, so you have to stand out in other ways, and seeing what I am sure is just a small portion of your achievements outside of school, I’d say you are on the right track.</p>
<p>thank you!! do you think the threshold starts at a 33 though? I know for a fact that it starts at about 2200 for SAT (despite what CCers seem to think lol)</p>
<p>Yes, I would say that 33 and above composite score is the range. According to the ACT website, composite score of 33 and above is in the 99th percentile.</p>
<p>I got into Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, the University of Michigan Honors, Michigan State Honors and United States Naval Academy with relatively similar scores - 34 ACT (12 writing), 2270 SAT, 690 Physics/710 Math II/720 Literature SAT II’s. I was not rejected from ANY schools - so to answer your question, these scores will not act as a “barrier” in any way from admission, assuming that the rest of your application is competitive. I chose the retake the ACT after initially receiving a 33 (like you!), but I honestly don’t think that the extra point mattered much. If I were you, I would submit the ACT. It is a bit more impressive since they DON’T superscore the ACT, even if you don’t raise your score (I don’t think that the extra point matters much).</p>
<p>In case you are wondering about my credentials beyond my scores, I am white, female, middle class, relatively high though not perfect GPA (several A-'s and a couple B’s), public HS that does not rank, competitive athletics though NOT recruited, and significant involvement with LGBT issues plus some involvement with Econ competitions and other academic endeavors. So we are similar in many regards. I think that although my academic credentials were not PERFECT I compensated for having deep, unique, extracurriculars - sounds like you are in the same boat.</p>
<p>Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>I had a 2170 and got into both MIT and Harvard. My subjects were 690, 700, 710. It’s always worth applying - I knew I was a longshot but it worked out!</p>
<p>thank you everyone so much!! @rsivyhopeful, thank you especially for your response. it really calmed me about my test scores and about the SAT IIs as well! i really appreciate it everyone :)</p>
<p>I would definitely not worry about retaking, even if your scores are not the absolute highest scores that Harvard sees, no way will an admissions officer immediately scoff at a 33 on the ACT and a 2230 super scored. In my opinion, retaking the ACT to gain one point isn’t worth it. I am in a similar situation. My test scores aren’t necessarily the highest, but they definitely fall well within the range of all of the ivies. I’m not going to bother retaking.</p>
<p>Your tests scores are absolutely fine; I wouldn’t worry about them or retake them. </p>
<p>That said, test scores are secondary to teacher recommendations, guidance counselor’s Secondary School Report (SSR), essays, extracurricular activities and “wow” factors. I’ve told this story before, but it bears repeating when a student, like yourself, begins to think a one-point difference on their ACT will increase their chances. </p>
<p>After my daughter was accepted to Harvard, she was invited to a congratulatory reception at the Harvard Club in New York City. In attendance was Harvard’s Regional Admissions Officer, Sally Champagne, who has since retired. Upon entry, every student was given a name tag with their name and high school. As Sally went around the room to introduce herself, she recounted a sentence or two from each student’s essay. She did this for my daughter and EVERY student in attendance. Sally, and the Admissions Committee in general, get to know each student by their essay, NOT their test scores. I am convinced that at a certain level – which you are at – test scores do not matter. It all comes down to your essay and teacher recommendations!</p>
<p>Here’s what I would suggest you do: Stop focusing on your test scores and get to work! Start your essay NOW! Topics can be found here: <a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/EssayAnnouncementFinal.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/EssayAnnouncementFinal.pdf</a>. Ask your teachers NOW if they would be willing to write your college recommendations. Set up a meeting before the school year is over to discuss what they need from you to write your recommendation. Go out for coffee with your teachers so they can get to know you outside of the classroom. To be accepted you need the full 100% backing of your teachers. You want your teachers to write, that you, diddly, are one of the top students they have had in their entire teaching career, that you have the potential to be a world class scholar, that you are a leader in the classroom and are respected by students and teachers alike. You need for them to present your case to the Admissions Committee about why Harvard should accept you over other applicants from your school and from across the world. </p>
<p>thank you both so much!! gibby, your response was so inspiring and it really helped with the figuring out about other parts of the application, which I was also somewhat confused with. thank you!!!</p>
<p>I got into Harvard and Georgetown with a 2030 SAT and 31 ACT. Also, I did not have a 4.0 GPA, I’m an international student, low middle class,
etc. Sure, I had amazing EC’s, but my scores weren’t great, so don’t fret over your scores.</p>
<p>Harvard looks at more than just the gpa/scores, i know this because I was accepted with subpar gpa compared to others who have been accepted from my school. no harm in applying, you never know what’ll happen :)</p>