Hey everyone, I recently got my ACT scores back, and I scored a 35. I'm super thrilled, but I keep hearing mixed responses. Some of my friends make it sound like it's almost perfect, while others say the top schools still expect more. I'm kinda confused?just how impressive is a 35 ACT score in the grand scheme of things? Does it give me any advantage in admissions, or do I still need to worry about other parts of my application?
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A 35 ACT score is exceptional and places you in the 99th percentile of all test takers, meaning you performed better than 99% of students who took the exam. This score demonstrates outstanding academic ability and will be viewed very favorably by college admissions officers at even the most selective institutions, including Ivy League schools and other top-tier universities.
The difference between a 35 and a perfect 36 is minimal from an admissions perspective. Most colleges treat these scores as effectively equivalent, and spending time trying to improve from a 35 to a 36 typically isn't the best use of your energy. Your score is already well above the middle 50% range for even the most competitive universities, including schools like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
However, it's important to understand that a high ACT score alone doesn't guarantee admission to highly selective colleges. Top schools receive thousands of applications from students with exceptional test scores, and they evaluate candidates holistically. Your extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, leadership experiences, and academic performance throughout high school all play crucial roles in admissions decisions.
With a 35 ACT score, you've effectively cleared the academic threshold for any college in the country. This allows admissions officers to focus on other aspects of your application that distinguish you as an individual. Rather than spending more time on test prep, you should direct your energy toward strengthening other components of your application, such as crafting compelling essays or deepening your involvement in meaningful activities.
Your score will certainly open doors and ensure your application receives serious consideration at top institutions. It demonstrates your academic readiness for college-level work and validates your high school performance. While you should feel confident about this achievement, remember that competitive colleges seek students who excel beyond just test scores, looking for individuals who will contribute to their campus community in meaningful ways.
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