I am a double legacy applying to Notre Dame with strong ECs. My current ACT composite is a 32 (33 E, 30 M, 33 R, 30 S). Need I improve my ACT score to secure admission? Should I try the SAT?
Notre Dame average ACT is 34, not sure how the double legacy affects your chances. I know it varies by school.
32 is in their range but on the lower end. It’s crazy 32 is 98% in the country but still doesn’t get you in. My son is also looking at ND
The middle 50% for the incoming class on the ACT was 33-35. I would either take another stab at the ACT or try the SAT. Being a double legacy will help, but possibly not enough to overcome test scores below the 25th percentile.
Thanks for your advice! What SAT must I achieve? Should I shoot for the most recent 25th percentile? (1440?)
I have heard that legacy increases chances of admission but decreases the likelihood of good financial aid.
Financial aid is not dependent on legacy at all. However, many alum are in a higher income bracket, which does affect need based aid.
I would definitely try to take the SAT once to see if you like it. My older 3 preferred the ACT, but the youngest didn’t like it, and preferred, and did well, on the SAT. ND will take your best score, so you should try. Also, science is what is holding you down in the ACT - either get a tutor to help you learn how to improve in that area, or practice that section to improve there. Being a legacy helps, but you still have to fit in their profile - more than 1/2 of legacy students do not get admitted.
And, I would also consider applying regular admission, unless your test scores improve dramatically - the REA competition is very stiff.
Good luck to you - I hope you get admitted!
Definitely consider taking whichever standardized test you have not taken already. It is not uncommon for someone to score very differently on the ACT vs. the SAT or vice versa. D scored a 36 on the ACT and a 2040 on the SAT. The science section of the ACT should be much easier to improve on then other sections. In my D’s opinion it was just about reading charts and drawing logical conclusions
32 is definitely in the range. I know many people who have gotten in with lower.
No, 32 is not in the “range”, it is in the bottom quartile. Please define “many people”?
My son is freshman at ND. He had an ACT highest single composite of 32 (34 super scored), but he had a 1500 CR+M with an 800 math. ND looks only at the CR+M score. The 1500 corresponds to a 34, but put him at about the 70% percentile in the SAT range. He had no special status (minority, legacy, etc.), but did have good contact with the local rep and alums. Also, he had straight A’s throughout high school in the most rigorous coursework offered (class rank 1), played varsity football and had other strong ECs.
So, definitely take the sat and see how you do.
As an aside: One thing to consider for any college, if you are admitted, is where do you want to be in the range academically compared to the student body (test scores aren’t a perfect indicator, but they generally correlate to ability and/or preparation)? In other words, how do you “fit” academically? Do you want to go to a “dream school” where you are in the bottom 20%? Do you want to be solidly in the middle? Or would you like to be in the upper portion? Possible advantages to entering a college where you are above the midpoint are that, while you will be challenged, you will more likely perform well and not be as overwhelmed. If you are at the more extreme high end of a strong school, but not quite as selective, you may have the opportunity to enter an honors program, get a strong financial aid package and benefit by having close relationships with your professors.