Hey everyone! If I have a 34 Composite ACT, but a 29 in English (35 in everything else), will it hurt me chances at HYPS? From what I’ve heard, a 34+ won’t be the reason a college rejects/accepts you. Not sure if I should retake it! Thanks
It would depend on your specific major, but a 29 in English will likely drag you down.
What was your essay and combined essay+English score?
@Falcon1 My essay was an 8 and the combined english score was a 27 
Unfortunately, that’s pretty low for Stanford. However, 34 Comp. is a good score so it’s really your call if you think you can do at least that and also bring up your English score substantially. Otherwise, don’t waste your time. You’ll be so busy with the start of school and college applications.
A 34 is a great score. I have a 33 composite but only a 30 in math. I have similar concerns as you.
@maaz97 ugh this is so frustrating… Hopefully the put more importance on the composite than each individual subscore
I think your grades in English courses and your college essay will be much more telling of your writing abilities than just a small component of a test you took one day
@shawnspencer Thanks for your insight! 
Hopefully this is true! This whole importance on standardized testing is dehumanizing in my opinion… Can’t wait for it to be over
Also a rec from your English teacher confirming your strong writing ability will also tell adcoms that it was just a bad day for you.