To preface I am a junior in high school, so I have a bit of time to improve my score; however, I just received my ACT score and my composite was a 32 (33 English, 29 Math, 34 Reading, and 30 Science). This was with minimal studying, and I would really like to improve my score to 34 or higher. Obviously, my math and science scores are quite low. On the math section, I ran out of time so that definitely contributed to the 29. I am a bit at a loss for how to improve my science score though. Does anyone have any studying tips? If my score were not to improve what universities would I be a competitive applicant for with a 32 ACT, 4.7 GPA, and (I think) fairly good extracurriculars and background (ballet dancer at a very high level, trained at some of the world’s most prestigious ballet schools, daughter of a first-gen immigrant, work with local immigrants and refugees weekly, etc). I would really love to go to Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, or Wash U, but I’m afraid my ACT score as of now would hold me back from even being considered. Thoughts?
Congratulations on your 32 and on your 4.7 GPA, plus top notch dance training. There are tons of places where you could potentially go with those qualifications.
So we can give you better recommendations, what are your academic passions? And what are you looking for in a college?
Thank you @BookLvr 
Due to my personal connection with immigrants I would really like to become an immigration lawyer. I’m currently pursuing the IB diploma, and I’m really enjoying my Global Politics class, so as of now I’d like to go into a career somewhere in that area. I would also like to continue dancing in some capacity, so whatever university I end up would ideally be near a reputable ballet company (hence why I’m particularly interested in Harvard/Boston Ballet, Vanderbilt/Nashville Ballet, Georgetown/Washington Ballet, Columbia/any of the many ballet companies in NYC, etc).
In light of your criteria, I would explore
In DC: George Washington University, American University.
In NYC: The New School for Social Research.
32 is a good score, but if you want to put yourself in a better position for highly selective schools you should take it again. There are many ACT study guides with practice questions, tests and strategies for each section (science does not really test science knowledge/concepts, but rather reading comprehension, and interpreting graphs/charts).
If timing continues to be an issue on the math section, you might also try the SAT test. The SAT has more time per question than the SAT.
Lastly, what is your unweighted GPA, core classes only?
@Mwfan1921 my unweighted GPA is 4.0. Thank you for your input!
Congrats on your gpa and just to correct the typo in post 4…the SAT has more time per question than the ACT!
Good luck and keep us updated.
Thank you! Will do!