Is this worth stressing over?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi! Before you can answer my questions, here are some of the schools I'll be applying to: (safeties aren't included here)</p>

<p>Pomona College, Scripps College, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UPenn, Columbia, Duke (maybe...), BC, Wake Forest, WUSTL (maybe ED?), Rice (maybe ED?)</p>

<p>So, as you can tell, the schools I'm applying to are SUPER selective, and that scares me. I have a few questions about my standardized test scores.</p>

<p>So I took the ACT in April and scored a 33 composite with a 34 on English, 33 on Reading, 33 on Science, and EEK 31 ON MATH. </p>

<p>Then, in May, I took the Math Level II subject test and got an 800.</p>

<p>I will be taking subject tests in two weeks in Biology and US History.</p>

<p>My questions are as follows:
1. Should I stress about getting my ACT up to a 34? Will it make a HUGE difference? Of course I will try, but I just would like to know in case it doesn't come together.
2. Will schools see my math score on the ACT as a "fluke" because of my 800 on the subject test? I had an anxiety attack during the test in the Math section :(. (Also, I'm retaking the ACT as I said above and should score substantially better on Math this time around)
3. Is a score of 750 around what I need in each of the other 2 subject tests (US History and Bio (M))?</p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! I can't wait to finish standardized testing; YIPEE!</p>

2

<p>Honestly, it won’t make that much of a difference… but you’re not giving us much information. Standardized test scores are only a small part of the admission process.</p>

3

<p>I wasn’t asking for my chances; I was just wondering, assuming that all other aspects of the application are relatively strong, if the ACT score bump by a point would be something helpful to have under my belt.</p>

<p>Thanks @maymay5678‌ :)!</p>

4

<p>A 34 is fantastic. FYI: the 25th/75th percentiles for Yale admits is 31 and 35. What does that tell you? Look, if you apply to very competitive schools, there will be people with higher scores than you that will be rejected and ones who are admitted with lower ones. Scores are only one component. You’re fine. Go spend that afternoon helping your parents.</p>

5

<p>Nothing like that is worth stressing over. You already have a good score so go in relaxed with a good night sleep. So if you do better it is just gravy.</p>

<p>Here is an interesting post to read about someone who in hindsight felt they only were concentrating only on reaches and not the safeties. Maybe you can put yourself in his shoes:
<a href=“My college application results and final decision - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>My college application results and final decision - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums;

6

<p>

This is such a mixed bag of schools that it doesn’t seem as if you have given careful thought to criteria for “fit” schools. You should boil that down before stressing over your chances: Research U vs. LAC, Region, Urban/Suburban/Rural, Size, Campus Culture, Greek dominated or not, Academic strengths, etc. Then find matches to your GPA and scores. Forget the brand names and look at the schools. Good luck!</p>

7

<p>@snarlatron‌ It is actually after visiting each of those schools that I have formulated this list. I can adapt to whichever environment I am put into. I’m a diverse person with a diverse range of interests and for this reason will thrive in a variety of different schools. I’m only 17 years old; I don’t know what I’ll want for the coming 4 years of my undergraduate experience. Thus, I’ve chosen very different schools and am leaving chance to decide my experience for the next 4 years. Of course all these school fulfill some criteria, but I do realize they are quite different. This is intentional. </p>

8

<p>bump</p>

9

<p>Not at all. I doubt any school will care about that difference. The 31 on the Math might be EHH, but the 800 completely fixed that (GREAT job on that!). Yes, 750ish on those two tests will be good (though 740 will be fine too!)
Best of luck.</p>