Hi! I recently got a 35 on my ACT, and I'm debating if I should retake it to try for a 36. Do colleges see a significant difference between the two scores, or should I just be happy with my 35 and focus on other parts of my application?
Hi there! First off, congratulations on your impressive ACT score! A 35 is already an excellent score and places you in the top percentile of all test-takers. The difference between a 35 and a 36 is not significant in the eyes of college admissions officers. Both scores are highly competitive and meet or even exceed the requirements for even the most selective colleges.
Instead of spending time and resources on retaking the ACT for a marginal improvement, I recommend focusing on other aspects of your application, such as your essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. These components also play crucial roles in making your application stand out, so investing in them is more likely to increase your odds of acceptance than a 36 vs a 35.
In summary, rest assured that your 35 on the ACT is an excellent score, and it's advisable to shift your attention to other parts of your application to enhance your overall competitiveness. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.