My dream school is Amherst. I have tested three times, and my highest composite is a 32 (35 R/E, 28 S, 30 M). My GPA is pretty good but on the lower end of their spectrum. I have 500+ hours of a volunteer community service internship but didn’t participate in sports because I was born with a wrist deformity and have gotten them operated on one at a time and PT since freshman year. My second semester sophomore year, however, my mom was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer and it was a lot of new responsibility for me at home and mentally tolling. Should I retake? Why do I always mess up on science?
You probably can’t score any higher if that is your best out of three. What do you mean by lower GPA/? Why is Amherst your dream school?
Of course you could write a meaningful essay explaining how your mom’s cancer affected you(or have one of your reference letters address the issue), but why Amherst?
You have to explain why they would want you, and it doesnt matter that you can’t do sports.
There are lots of other great schools where uyour ACT would be very high-maybe one of them should become your dream school…
Can’t chance you without more info…
I recently enrolled in the class of 2021 and I was admitted with a 32 ACT (with a ton of community service and no sport involvement) so yes, it is possible. However, your ACT is not the most important factor nor will an extra point (having a 33C) improve your chances. Don’t listen to any of the chance forums on here - they will drive you insane. None of us know what admissions counselors really want or what their deciding factors. From every single one of them I read, I had little to no chance of getting in. I know applications are anxiety-inducing but your best bet is to stay off this website and just hope for the best!!
Heya! I recently also accepted my place in Amherst’s class of 2021 (Yay!) And I also applied with an ACT of 32. I really would not stress about your standardized test scores, like I did. Admission counselors look at FAR more than just how well you perform on a test and will judge your application on a more holistic scale! Stay calm and chill! This is advice from someone who stresses about every little thing in life as well 