<p>So I got my ACT results back, and it is the last one I will ever take. The scores are as follows:</p>
<p>33 C
35 E
35 M
33 S
27 R</p>
<p>I know, my reading killed me. It has always been my downfall, and honestly, this score was the highest I have ever gotten for reading on an actual test. Anyways, I'm not sure if this question is better suited on the "chance" page, but I want to know if these scores will be okay for schools like MIT and Caltech.</p>
<p>My scores from April were the same, except I dropped one point in math (I got a 36 in math on the April test) and my reading score went up by two points. Consequently, that made my composite go up by a whole point. After reviewing average test scores on MIT and Caltech websites, I know that I am at the top end of average scores for English, math, and writing, but composite is at the lower end (but still in the range).</p>
<p>Do you think my composite will be too low too give me any reasonable chance? I don't have research experience or any outstanding science accomplishments (like being an ISEF finalist, etc.), so I'm worried that with this combination, I won't realistically stand a chance. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Additionally, would it be worth sending in my April results just to show the schools that I have earned a 36 on the math portion? All of my other scores are either the same or higher, except my math score which went down by one point. Will it make a huge difference? It would save some money if I didn't need to send the test scores in. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>I have no experience with Cal Tech or MIT so it will be interesting to see what other posters say. However, the students I know attending both of these schools tend to not only have high test scores and grades, but have demonstrated significant interest in research and science with internships, jobs, etc. Have you considered schools similar to these two but that have higher acceptance rates?</p>
<p>Both your composite and your individual math subsection are within the middle 50% at MIT. I dont think that those scores will hurt you too bad, but they wont help you much either</p>
<p>@Momof2back2back I’ve thought of some others. One school that I’m applying to is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. I know it’s not quite of the same caliber, but it’s ranked #1 in undergraduate engineering. What schools would you suggest that are similar to these two schools?</p>
<p>@plzletmeincolege That’s what I thought. I didn’t think they would help in any way. Honestly, even a 35 or 36 wouldn’t help much at schools like these.</p>
<p>@Momof2back2back That’s okay, I can do some research on my own as well. Just thought I would ask. Thank you very much for the help!</p>
<p>I am still going to apply to each of them, because you never know what might happen! I am feeling very confident with my essays, so hopefully that will be a helpful factor in the admission decision at each school. In addition, at MIT I’m giving myself the best chance for success: I already interviewed earlier this month, I’m applying Early Action, and I’m submitting a music portfolio to demonstrate my interest and abilities outside the classroom. In addition to all of the required stuff.</p>
<p>@green678 I actually plan to apply to Carnegie Mellon during their regular decision cycle. I visited there over the summer and loved it. My main concern, however, was money. I know that they don’t give great financial aid there, and since my family is upper middle class, I know that we fall in between getting a lot of aid and being able to pay a lot.</p>
<p>How are your grades? Math and science grades?</p>
<p>I attended a small group chat with the Director of Admissions at Caltech about 18 months ago. He said that Caltech does accept students with one or two B’s on their transcripts, but “…not in math or science classes. You had better get all A’s and in the highest level of math and science classes available.” He was fairly smug about it and didn’t come across as a guy that jokes about such matters.</p>
<p>@knightclub I have over a 4.0 GPA with all A’s in my classes. This year, I am taking AP Physics 2 (my school unfortunately does not offer Physics C) and AP Biology. For math, I am taking AP Statistics, and I took AP Calc AB and BC last year. Then I took all of the pre-requisites for math and science in the preceding years (doubled up on science junior year, took Algebra II freshman year, etc.)</p>
<p>Does your school offer Naviance or some other historical database where you can see if former classmates with similar ACTs and GPA typically got in? It is only one piece of the puzzle, but can be helpful.</p>
<p>Are you male or female? There’s been some chatter about CalTech relaxing there standards somewhat in order to increase female enrollment, but conversely, that means that you may not have the numbers to have a high chance if you’re male. In any case, when applying to these school, you always need a backup plan, which you seem to be developing.</p>
<p>@cttwinmom2015 To my knowledge there hasn’t been anyone from my school in a while that has applied to and attended Caltech. It’s worth a shot, however! I will try it.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 I am a male, so I would not have that luxury of relaxed standards. My focus is on my essays right now, which I believe are what can give me the best chance.</p>
<p>@RunningForLife I get that test scores are important, but a 33 is going to kill my chances? I even got a 36 in math…</p>
<p>I feel like they consider much more than a “slightly lower than perfect” ACT score. What about SAT Subject Tests, essays, GPA, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, etc.</p>
<p>@cttwinmom2015 I have not taken the Subject Tests yet. I am signed up to take the tests this month, and I will most likely register for the November date as well.</p>
<p>I will be taking physics and math II. When I did the released tests in the “official SAT Subject Test guide,” I got 800’s on both tests. They seemed really easy though…</p>
<p>If they’re an accurate reflection of how the tests usually are, though, I’m in really good shape!!</p>
<p>rkepp12, yes, those scores would put you in good shape I would think! I know that MIT says that you can take either Math I or Math II, but I can’t imagine Math I being a wise move, even an 800 in it, as many applicants submit 800s in Math II. </p>
<p>@cttwinmom2015 I’m glad to hear that. I’m going to continue doing some more preparation for the exams this weekend and see how things go. Hopefully, my scores will stay consistently around 770! </p>
<p>From my understanding, math I and II test different concepts, and so math II is actually easier for those in advanced math classes because it covers more recent topics.</p>