Hello! I'm looking to apply to Syracuse University and I'm a bit lost about the ACT scores they frequently accept. How high should my ACT score be to have a good shot at admission?
Syracuse University is rather competitive and typically looks for ACT scores in the 28-32 range, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring within this range. That said, applicants on the lower end of that range shouldn't be discouraged, especially if other parts of the application, like extracurricular activities and grade point average, are strong.
However, I should mention that Syracuse currently has a test-optional policy in place, which means that you have the choice to decide whether or not to submit your test scores. If you think your scores aren't reflective of your capability, you can choose not to submit them.
That being said, Syracuse is a fairly selective school, so there can still be instances where submitting a test score is a good idea. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/
Remember, while test scores are important, they aren't the only factor that schools consider during the admissions process. A student's academic performance, curriculum rigor, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular involvement all play crucial roles as well.
If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at Syracuse, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including test scores, GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Syracuse and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator
This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, whether by raising your ACT score slightly or some other step, like earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.
Or, if you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Syracuse's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-syracuse-university-essays/. Especially at selective schools like Syracuse, the essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.
Good luck with your application!
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.