ACT score: 36 implications?

Hey fellow applicants! I was lucky enough to score a 36 on my ACT, but I'm not exactly sure what this means in terms of college admissions. How beneficial is a perfect score on the ACT for getting into highly competitive universities?

Hello! First of all, congratulations on achieving a perfect ACT score of 36! It's an incredible accomplishment and it will certainly help your application when applying to highly competitive universities.

A perfect ACT score effectively puts you in the top percentile of all test-takers, which means you're among the highest scorers. This can make your application stand out and demonstrate your potential for academic success at a competitive college. However, it is important to understand that colleges and universities consider various factors besides your standardized test scores in the admissions process.

At highly competitive universities, a strong test score like yours can be an advantage, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. They will also look at your grades, the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, your essays, letters of recommendation, and other factors. These elements help paint a comprehensive picture of you as a student and individual.

You will want to ensure that the other components of your application are equally strong to maximize your chances of admission. Try to show your passion, commitment, and achievements in the extracurricular activities you participate in, demonstrate strong writing skills in your essays, and secure solid letters of recommendation.

So, while a perfect ACT score can open doors and give you a competitive edge when applying to highly competitive universities, it's essential to also focus on the rest of your application to showcase your unique qualities and strengths that make you a great fit for the institution. Good luck with your application process!