Is a 34 ACT score competitive?

Hey everyone, I just got my ACT scores back and I got a 34. Is this a good score for applying to top colleges? Are there any schools where I would still be at a disadvantage with a 34?

Hello! Congratulations on your 34 ACT score—that's an excellent achievement! A 34 is indeed competitive for applying to top colleges. To put it into context, a score of 34 places you in the 99th percentile of test-takers, meaning you scored higher than 99% of students who took the ACT.

For most top colleges, your score falls well within or near the middle 50% score range of accepted students. This means that your ACT score is competitive for admissions at leading institutions. However, please remember that highly selective colleges not only look at test scores but also consider other factors like your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation during the admissions process.

There may be a few extremely selective schools (such as Ivy League universities) where a score of 34 may be the average ACT scores for admitted students. However, even for these schools, a 34 does not put you at a significant disadvantage—your application will likely still be considered competitive.

Keep in mind that while your ACT score is an important part of your college application, it's not the only factor that selective colleges consider. Make sure to work on maintaining a strong GPA, participating in meaningful extracurricular activities, writing compelling essays, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation. These additional components will help you showcase your abilities and potential as a well-rounded applicant.

In summary, a 34 ACT score is competitive for top colleges, but it's crucial to ensure the rest of your application is also strong. Good luck with your college applications!