would it be worth to try to improve on a 34 ACT?

Test Preparation
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<p>D, a junior, just received a 34 composite (E-35,M-35,R-32,S-35). She's just started looking at schools but has been thinking about Carleton, Oberlin, Northwestern, Rice, Vanderbilt, CMU, lower Ivies. And yes, some safeties, both admission and financial.</p>

<p>Does it make sense to work on improving her score? 34 is in the 99th percentile already - would a 35 look different? Given scarce time and resources, I'm thinking that time and money would be better spent on her various projects, competition entries, things that are more distinctive and interesting than an additional ACT point, especially to the super-selective reach schools looking for offbeat accomplishments.</p>

<p>Other stats are good - 3.8-ish GPA, SAT subject tests 720 Bio, 780 Math Level 2. Five APs in previous years (two 5s, three 4s) and four or five more this year. Interested in math and studio art.</p>

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<p>Since 34 is already the 99th percentile, I don’t think one more point would make much of a difference-colleges will know she can definitely handle the courseload at uni. By the way, tell her congrats on an excellent score! :)</p>

<p>I agree with you in terms of working on further accomplishments-if she’s interested in math, I’d suggest taking the AMC12 and trying to qualify for AIME, or if there are regional competitions (Math Bowl for instance) to get involved in those. I’m also interested in math! :)</p>

<p>For art, I’m sure there are regional competitions she can get involved in :slight_smile: Has she talked to her art teacher at school about getting involved in them?</p>

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<p>Thanks, both! The writing score is now online and it’s a 10, so I think we’re good to go.</p>