I got a 34 composite on the ACT with 35 English, 30 Math, 34 Reading, and 36 Science. Should I retake it and try to improve my math score or just not submit it at all? People have been saying to not submit your score unless it’s in the 75th percentile, but I thought my score was kinda good. Now I’m questioning it, especially because of my low math score. Since I’m applying ED, I don’t have another opportunity to take it but could for my regular applications. Please let me know!!
Which school/major?
Cornell is an extreme reach for everyone so who really knows, especially since we have no idea about anything else in your application. Are you a legacy, related to a big donor or a recruited athlete? If not, and you are rejected, it likely will not be because of your ACT. Conversely, if you had a 36 and were accepted, it likely would not be because of your ACT score, either. Bottom line is this: for every 100 qualified applicants, about 90 are rejected so the test score is not what makes or breaks the application.
CALS and Biology and Society
I’m a legacy and applying as a Biology and Society major.
Legacy and a non-engineering major both favor submitting in my opinion.
CALS is test-blind again this year, so problem solved.
You scored in the 99% and don’t want to submit?
Don’t overthink this. Submit without question. It won’t get you in, but it will just be a little additional confirming factor that admissions can check the box and move on to look at your other qualities more closely.
As said above CALS is score free again this year. Even if you send ACT/SAT the application reader won’t see it. So no more stressing about that particular decision
They do see AP exam scores that are submitted.
As stated above, CALS is test blind. Make sure to do this research on each school’s website to help you make these decisions…because you may get conflicting or plain incorrect info as you did on this thread. Generally submit if at or above the median, but there is nuance there. Good luck!
Here is the CALS test blind info: Standardized Testing Policies | Undergraduate Admissions
So apparently the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences does not use scores at all this year.
However, just want to say that your scores look really good to me. I would not retake but put energy into school and extracurriculars instead. Enjoy senior year!
An ACT composite score of 34 is outstanding (which is much better than “kinda good”).
Unless you need a profile which establishes you as gifted in math, I would submit an ACT score of 34 even though the math score was a 30.
Who are these “people” saying only send above 75th percentile of enrolled students??? Are they like “my friends” who “tell me”?
Most recommend mid-point of 25-75, some lower.
Cornell is 32-35, so I would certainly submit - or would have if the college accepted them.
As noted up thread, CALS is test BLIND this year. Your score will not be considered in assessing your application.
https://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/standardized-testing-policies