Hey everyone, I just got my ACT score back, and it's a 34. I'm pretty excited but also wondering how competitive this score actually is. Do top colleges consider a 34 to be strong enough, or should I aim higher? I'd love some advice from anyone who's been through this process!
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A 34 ACT score is exceptional and places you in the 99th percentile of all test takers, meaning you scored higher than 99% of students who took the ACT. This score demonstrates outstanding academic ability and will make you a competitive applicant at virtually every college and university in the United States, including Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions.
Your 34 ACT score meets or exceeds the middle 50% range for even the most competitive universities. For context, the average ACT scores at top institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT typically range from 33-35 for admitted students. This means your score of 34 positions you well within the competitive range for these prestigious schools.
While it's technically possible to score higher with a 35 or perfect 36, retaking the ACT with a 34 is generally unnecessary and could be counterproductive. Your time would be better spent focusing on other aspects of your college application, such as maintaining strong grades, developing your extracurricular activities, and crafting compelling essays.
Colleges evaluate applications holistically, and your ACT score is just one component. With a 34, you've already demonstrated exceptional academic ability, allowing admissions officers to focus on other aspects of your application. Many selective scholarships also consider 34 to be well above their minimum requirements, potentially opening doors for merit-based financial aid opportunities.
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