<p>Does a perfect ACT score make any difference in a college application (especially to highly selective universities)? I mean, does it stand out to the point where that could be a major decision factor, or is it just considered "another high score"? I know that there are plenty of 1600's and/or 2400's but relatively much fewer 36's. </p>
<p>I took the ACT in April and got a 34 composite. The only preparation I did was to take a practice ACT at my school a few weeks before. I feel that, with appropriate preparation (practice using a review book), I have a shot at a 36.</p>
<p>It helps, but I don't think any more than a 34 really...a 34 is well into the 99th percentile, it's like retaking a 2300...I don't really think it's worth it</p>
<p>Well I'm retaking the ACT mainly because ACT lets you choose which score to send to colleges. I didn't take the optional essay the first time (bad advice from a counselor) so I'm going to retake it with the essay. My ACT score is slightly better than my SAT score: 2190 (1470), so if I get the same or better on my second try I'll just submit my ACT score as my main test. And if not, my SAT is still adequate.</p>
<p>A number of colleges, particularly many high ranks, require the optional writing section if you submit the ACT. In other words, that 34 is absolutely useless for any of the ivies and a number of others because they will ignore it entirely because of the lack of the writing section. It is not part of the composite but an additional score. It is optional because majority of colleges do not require it.</p>
<p>Also, be aware that despite that ACT sends only the score you request to be sent to a college, that does not necessarily mean the college will not know your score on other ACT tests -- many high schools put all your scores on your official high school transcript.</p>
<p>cavalier i'm doing the same thing b/c ACT lets you send in whichever scores...definitely do it. A 34 looks great, but a 36 could be the deciding factor that REALLY seperates you from other applicants. At least that's how I look at it. If you can do it and no one knows how many times you've tried, what's the harm? If anything, you can only win.</p>