I got a 1470/1600. I received a 740 on English/Reading and a 730 on Math with a 15/24 on the essay (which seems crazy given I got a 5 on AP Lang). That was my second time taking it (1410 before). I have taken the ACT once and am waiting on my score from that currently. I am looking to apply to Harvard and other top schools (I have safeties, but Harvard is the dream). Is this score too low to be competitive? I have no hook, but I do have very good extracurriculars.
Too low, study & retake
My friend got into Stanford with a 1390. Granted, he was in what I’d consider extenuating circumstances. If 1470 is within harvard’s mid 50 range you’re in the clear although you can retake it if you really think you can do better. You just have to think about whether it would be worth it studying more if it could be spent doing something more valuable (usually) extracurricularly, which can be infinitely more valuable for both your life experiences and (indirectly) your college application-- Harvard rejects plenty of 1600/4.0 students. They glance at your standardized testing scores for less than a second-- the real meat of your application where they determine whether they should offer you a spot is your essays, extracurricilrs, experiences, recs, etc.Is there something else that’ll make you stand out more that you can do instead of studying and proving you can ace a standardized test designed to favor the wealthy who can afford tutors and stuff? Think carefully but best of luck.
Thank you for the tip! I just got an update about my ACT score (first time taking) and I got a 34! Already better than either time I took the sat. I think I’ll focus on the ACT. I’d s 34 good enough? (35 English, 34 reading, 33 science, 32 math) @junior1818
For those tippy top schools, the higher the score the better. But you are in great shape score-wise if you choose from almost any other college in the country!
@naviance i Judy got the score of my first time taking the ACT and I got a 34. Is thst more competitive for these schools?
You’ve already taken three tests, if a school sees that you’ve taken a fourth, they’re going to think you’re too test or academics focused. For sure don’t take the SAT again, your 34 is around a 1540, I think you’re fine. Also if you can just send your ACT score(s), do that. Colleges are ok with taking a test twice as they know most students improve. Also, keep in mind that colleges evaluate scores based on race, ethnicity and family circumstances. I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, it’s just how it works.
a 33/34 is 99th percentile. Once you break this, retaking it isn’t worth it.
^ Being top 1 % may be not good enough for the top 10 (0.3%) schools. So it really depends.