Recently got my ACT scores back and I scored a 34. While I'm quite happy with my performance, I'm not sure if I should retake the test for a higher score. Do colleges distinguish much between a 34 and a 36? Would it make a large difference for scholarships?
A 34 on the ACT is indeed an excellent score. Out of a maximum of 36, anything 34 and above is in the 99th percentile, meaning you've performed better than 99% of test takers. Your score puts you in a strong position for the majority of universities, both in terms of admissions and scholarships.
Colleges usually publish their middle 50% ACT scores of admitted students, and you'll find that a 34 is often in the upper half for even the most selective schools. There might be a slight advantage to scoring a 36 in terms of pure numbers, but the marginal benefit is rather small.
When it comes to scholarships, a 34 on the ACT ought to qualify you for many merit-based aid opportunities. There could be some scholarships that might set a 36 score as a criterion, but those would be more of an exception rather than the norm.
The decision to retake the test really hinges on your own confidence and balance with other commitments, like maintaining your GPA, excelling at your extracurricular activities, and preparing strong application essays. If you believe you could score higher without sacrificing these other important aspects of your application, it may be worth retaking. However, with a 34, you are already in a strong position and your time may be better invested in other application components. Keep in mind that colleges highly value a well-rounded application.
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