Hey guys, I'm really passionate about STEM and my dream school is MIT. What kind of ACT score should I aim for if I want to be competitive in the applications process?
For colleges as competitive as MIT, an ACT score within their middle 50% range is often a good benchmark to aim for. For MIT, this usually falls around a 345to a 36. It's important to note that scoring within or above that range certainly won't guarantee you acceptance and conversely, applicants who score lower could still be admitted.
MIT evaluates applicants holistically, meaning they'll take into account factors beyond just your ACT score, like your coursework rigor, grades, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurriculars. It's important to focus on these aspects of your application as well to maximize your chances of acceptance. For example, since you're interested in STEM, developing a highly-developed specialty, or "spike," in that area could make you more attractive to MIT.
Remember, though, that ACT scores have become optional for MIT starting from the 2020-2021 application cycle. So if you feel that your ACT score isn't representative of your academic potential, there's less pressure to submit. However, competitive ACT scores can still strengthen your application.
Consider test prep resources and practice exams to help you reach your ACT score goals. Best of luck with your test prep and college applications!
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