Low ACT score, good everything else?

<p>I have 3.8 GPA, I'm an IB student, I tutor middle schoolers and high schoolers, I've volunteered for 70 hours, I shadowed a doctor for 20 hours, I'm in NHS, president of my Spanish club, I've been in Drama Club for all my high school career. I have great recommendations and a beautiful essay. My only problem is my ACT score. I cannot retake because I can't handle the stress. I cried during the math portion. I just can't handle standardized tests like this. I got a 26. I know it's not great, but it's still decent. I'm looking at University of Michigan, Michigan State, and University of Alabama. I'm a Michigan resident. Do I have a chance at the above schools?</p>

<p>I’d move this to the chance forum.</p>

<p>Oops! Sorry, I’m new so I was really confused as to where to post things. Thanks!</p>

<p>Get your app into Alabama. It will accept you. </p>

<p>What’s your plan/major?</p>

<p>Many, many colleges have ‘holistic’ admissions which means they look at the entire individual and his/her contributions rather than just focusing on a set of statistics. Like you said, everything else on your app looks wonderful. That shows that you are a good, hardworking student capable of being in in leadership roles and succeeding in college. </p>

<p>And don’t sell yourself short. A 26 is a great score for the vast majority of places. CC can make even the best students feel bad/unsure about themselves. The only thing I would consider is that a 26 might not be very competitive for <em>scholarships</em> at a lot of places. But, overall, don’t stress. Like one commenter mentioned: Alabama would be great. Look at other places besides the 3 on your list, too. And knowing your plan/major would also be helpful. Best of luck. </p>

<p>Thank you so much to all! Bio major (I know, super competitive at many schools). Also, I’m not planning on scholarships, anyway. Of course they’d be great, I realize I probably won’t receive any. </p>

<p>If you apply to other Big Ten schools you’ll definitely get in. Don’t worry I’m a senior and super stressed, it’s ruined because I’ve decided to go a college and finish up senior year. </p>

<p>Your stats seem fine for the schools you are applying to. Focus on writing stellar essays. If possible, sign up to take the October SAT. If you put your mind to it, these standardized tests really aren’t too hard to perform well on. Its all about the time and effort you are willing to put in. </p>

<p>Im pretty sure, I was accepted to University of Illinois Champaign Urbana and Purdue University with a 22 ACT score and a 2.9 GPA. The only thing I really had going for me was my swimming career (I was a top state finalist) and they immediately flagged my application and admitted me to the school. </p>