<p>So I keep getting a 29 on my ACT. That's 3 times now but I have a 31 superscore. Cornell is my dream and I've applied ED. How will this look for Cornell CAS? I'm just really frustrated and sad b/c I can't seem to manage to break 30 in a single sitting when I've gotten 33+ English and reading, ~30 math, and 27 science (I suck). At least it'll show I'm consistent right? Will they totally ignore these and just go off the superscore? How does the superscore work? I'm going to keep taking the ACT w/o my parents knowledge b/c I'm stubborn and I'm so close to the 30 mark even if it's May senior year, I'm determined, but I'm just wondering how all these 29s will look. I talked to an adcom in person when they visited Cleveland and he said if you want to be considered for Cornell be at the 29/30 ACT level which I'm at, but obviously I'm at the very bottom of the pool. Otherwise I'm first generation, fluent in Romanian, rank 3/700, blah blah blah. </p>
<p>So how do you guys think the 29s will affect my admission? I'm thinking it'll either hurt b/c obviously it's a 29 or "help" since at least I'm consistent. Too bad I don't have enough time to study with 4 APs and a 2-7 job daily. Anyways, any input would be great to ease my mind. I've basically come to accept rejection anyways, I can always try to transfer right? I'm also applying to Boston College, Tufts, Brandeis, and UChicago as my other reaches and then BU, Syracuse, Fordham and Trinity as my matches. Inspirational, true stories about white kids with mediocre scores getting into any of those reaches would be great, lol.</p>
<p>^Hey that’s mean! I’m truly worried, I was just wondering how it’d look to admissions, geesh. As a CC member I’m sure you know that it’s kind of a big hurdle despite any other stats I may have. It’s just that I go on here and kids are complaining about 34s that it makes me worry I won’t get into anywhere good.</p>
<p>Anyways, you have a high rank and seemingly good EC’s to compensate for your ACT scores. You should take it again, because unless I’m not mistaken, you can choose which scores you want to send to Cornell. A 29 is a bit low for Cornell, I’m going to be honest with you. If you could push it to maybe a 31 or 32, you’re chances would definitely go up.</p>
<p>It’s too late for you to take the SAT for an ED admit. Darn. I don’t know why kids who do poorly on the Science section don’t take the SAT where that pesky section doesn’t exist!</p>
<p>Well, I’m sorry to say that you’ll either get rejected or deferred til RD.</p>
<p>What are your safeties?</p>
<p>Maybe you should sign up for the Dec SAT. Then if you do get deferred to RD, you can use your SAT (which will likely be comparatively higher.)</p>
<p>BTW…do you know if you’d qualify for FA? Do you know your family’s EFC?</p>
<p>for ACT math & science, I really like Barron’s. It’s can be a little tougher than the real thing, but it covers a lot of one-off problems. The so-called Science is nothing but a speed-reading test. For practice, take a section at at time, and set a timer at home. For example, try to do a section of about 10 questions in under 7-8 minutes. Take a break, review, and do it again and again. Once the the pace clock becomes imbedded in your brain, you’ll be working efficiently and a 30+ is doable.</p>
<p>And, yes, a 29 will be a negative to your app to CAS. Plan on a Dec retake so if you are deferred, you can submit a higher score. In any event, you’ll want a higher score for all of the schools on your list. Higher is ALWAYS better, all other things being equal.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice everyone. I’m just apprehensive about the SAT because I don’t know how well I’ll do with being unfamiliar with the format since I live in the midwest. Also, English is not my first language so the vocab section really intimidates me. =/</p>
<p>did you think about taking the tofel? I know many people who score in the high 700s for math and high 400s for writing and reading but then scored amazing on the tofel which prooves to the college they know english and helps geet them in a bit easier.</p>
<p>I think Cornell is one of the schools that superscores the ACT. If you google ACT superscore you should get a pretty good list put out by a college counselor. Good luck!</p>