I am predicted by the ACT Aspire test (basically a pre ACT) to be between a 28-31. I am going to study very hard and hopefully could get higher. I am extremely strong in anything relating to English/reading, usually 93rd or above percentile wise in these areas on standardized tests. I take nearly the most rigorous course load possible at my school (I’m a junior at an average public school) My GPA is unknown right now because I transferred from a school with a very different grading scale/ weighing. But, I assume on a 4.0 scale I am around a 3.75-3.9. Class rank not available for me right now. I like smallish schools ( aroundless than 12k, more than 2k undergrads) with big school spirit. I like Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Villanova Business, and Wake Forest. I want a more urban feel. I’ve also seen Duke as well. My EC’s are pretty interesting(used to be a USA hockey ref, im an athletic trainer at my school, founding member of my new school’s mock trial club, etc) and I have some work experience.
I’d definitely recommend getting that ACT up to at least a 33 (for Vanderbilt in particular, you’d want to get it to at least a 35 because they care a lot about standardized test scores) because your current projected score would definitely bring you down especially considering you have a solid GPA (hopefully it is closer to the 3.9 than the 3.7!)
Have you tried the SAT? Perhaps you would be more successful on that, as the ACT tends to be a little more complicated in the math department and you have less time to think about each problem (the ACT is notoriously tricky in the time department). That being said, there are two math sections on the SAT. It’s worth taking a practice test, though!
Wisconsin-Madison, UMich, UVA, UNC (essentially all the state schools) have school spirit, although is not the size you are looking for.
USC
Tulane
Georgetown, maybe (although it is strongly recommended that you take three SAT II’s).
thank you!
on top of vandy, usc, tulane, Wake forest, Georgetown and Villanova i’d add SMU - private schools in larger cities appears to be a common theme.