Is a 36 ACT score really impressive?

Is a 36 ACT score really impressive?

Hey everyone! I just got my ACT results and I'm super thrilled that I got a 36! But I was wondering, how good is it really in terms of my college applications? Will it genuinely make a noticeable difference or help with scholarships? I'm applying to a mix of public and private colleges, some really competitive ones too, so I just wanted to get some insights. Thanks in advance!

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A 36 ACT score represents a perfect score and places you in the top 0.334% of all test takers nationwide. This exceptional achievement demonstrates outstanding academic ability and test-taking skills, significantly strengthening your college applications, especially for highly selective institutions.

Your perfect ACT score will indeed make a noticeable difference in your college admissions process. Top-tier universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford regularly report that their admitted students have average ACT scores between 33-35, making your 36 stand out even among highly competitive applicants. This score sends a clear signal to admissions officers that you can handle rigorous academic challenges.

Regarding scholarships, a 36 ACT score opens doors to numerous merit-based opportunities. Many universities offer automatic scholarships for high ACT scores, with the most generous packages often reserved for perfect scores. Public universities particularly tend to offer substantial merit aid to attract high-achieving students, which could potentially cover full tuition or even total cost of attendance.

However, remember that while a 36 ACT score is incredibly impressive, it's just one component of your college application. Top colleges evaluate applications holistically, considering factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Your perfect score will certainly help, but it's most effective when combined with other strong application elements that showcase your unique qualities and achievements.

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