Advice on Good ACT Score for Ivy League Schools?

What's up, guys? I recently got my ACT scores back and scored a 32. I know it's a decent score, but I'm not sure if it's competitive enough for Ivy League schools. Does anyone know what a good ACT score for these schools is? Should I retake it or just focus on other parts of my application?

Hey there! Congrats on your 32 ACT score – that's a great achievement. To answer your question, a typical good ACT score for Ivy League schools falls between 33 and 36. Although a 32 is slightly below this range, it's still a solid score and could be considered competitive for some of these institutions.

However, it's crucial to remember that Ivy League admissions are holistic, and your ACT score is just one part of your application. Other components, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and personal essays, will also play a significant role in your application's success.

If you think you can improve your score by 1-3 points, it might be worth retaking the test to put yourself in a more competitive range. But it's also essential to weigh the time and effort spent on retaking the test against the potential benefits of focusing on other aspects of your application.

For example, if you have a strong spike (a highly-developed specialty) in your profile, like a nationally-recognized achievement or significant leadership role, you might decide that your time is better spent strengthening your overall application rather than solely focusing on your ACT score. On the other hand, if you feel your application lacks a distinctive "hook" or if your GPA isn't consistently strong, retaking the test might be more valuable for you.

Regardless of your decision, it's crucial to maintain a balanced approach and avoid putting all your hopes on just one aspect of the application process. Good luck, and remember that the most important thing is to present the most compelling and well-rounded application package that you can.