Applying with a 34 ACT Score

Hey guys, I just got my ACT scores back and I ended up with a 34. I'm pretty happy with the score, but I'm curious as to what kind of colleges I should aim for with this result. Will this score make me competitive at most schools? Any advice is appreciated!

Congratulations on your 34 ACT score! That is an excellent result and will definitely make you competitive at many schools. To give you a better idea of your chances at different colleges, it's important to consider other factors like your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, as well as the specific schools' average admitted student profiles.

A 34 ACT score is considered to be in the top 1-2% of test-takers. With this score, you would likely be a strong candidate for many top-ranked universities and liberal arts colleges. However, keep in mind that admission to these institutions is highly competitive, and each applicant is evaluated holistically.

For top-tier schools like the Ivy Leagues, Stanford, and MIT, a 34 ACT score falls well within their middle 50% range for accepted students. However, these institutions have low acceptance rates and consider various other factors. Having a high ACT score is just one element of the application process, and you will need to showcase your strengths in other areas to stand out among the competitive applicant pool.

When finalizing your college list, consider a mix of safety, target, and reach schools that align with your personal interests, academic prowess, and extracurricular achievements. Safety schools are those where your metrics are significantly above the school's average admitted student profile. Target schools have profiles similar to yours, so you'd have a reasonable chance of getting in. Reach schools are those where the average admitted profile is notably higher than yours, making admission more uncertain but still worth a try.

Don't limit yourself to schools based on prestige alone. Research schools that offer strong programs in your areas of interest, have a campus culture that matches your preferences, and provide resources and opportunities that will benefit your personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, your 34 ACT score is impressive and will be a significant contributor to your college applications. It's essential to focus on showcasing your well-rounded achievements in both your academics and extracurriculars, and crafting meaningful and authentic application essays to ensure success in the admissions process. Good luck!