ACT scores and percentiles

Hello! I just got my ACT score back, and it's a 34. I'm kind of confused about the percents and all - how does my score translate into an ACT percentile? And, are there major differences between having a 30, 31, and 34 ACT score when applying for colleges? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

A 34 on the ACT is an excellent score! In terms of percentiles, this means that you scored better than roughly 99% of test takers. A percentile gives you a comparison of how your score stacks up to others. For instance, if you're in the 90th percentile, you scored higher than 90% of the test-takers.

Regarding your question about the differences between a 30, 31, and 34, the answer can depend on the universities you're aiming for. For some schools, a 30 or 31 might fall within their middle 50% range of accepted students' scores, which means you'd be academically competitive. A 34, however, is going to be at the top end or exceed most schools' middle 50% range, making you a more competitive candidate, at least in terms of standardized test scores. Remember, it's essential to understand that colleges use a holistic approach, considering many other aspects beyond just test scores.

However, some highly competitive schools might see a noticeable difference between these scores due to the strength of their applicant pool. For example, at a university like Harvard or MIT, a 34 is closer to the middle 50% range of accepted students, while a 30 or 31 may be considered lower than their typical accepted range. Thus, a 34 could potentially increase your chances of admission at those more selective institutions.

So, in summary, yes, there can be differences when it comes to applying to colleges with a 30, 31, or 34 ACT score, but it heavily depends on which schools you were planning to apply to. Nevertheless, I want to reiterate that while these scores are important, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Your grades, course rigor, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are equally significant in the decision-making process.