What scores should I submit to selective colleges?
I took my first ACT in March and got a 34 composite (E: 35, R: 29, M: 36, S: 36). I wanted to retake the exam because of the 29 in reading, which looks bad as I intend on applying as a poli sci major.
I then took the July ACT with the hope of increasing my reading score substantially and raising my composite to a 35, but unfortunately my composite actually decreased to a 33 (E: 35, R: 35, M: 31, S: 30).
I’m really worried about this because it almost looks like I sacrificed my math and science scores for a higher reading score, which is not what I intended to happen!
However, because my reading score increased, my superscore became a 36 (E: 35, R: 35, M: 36, S: 36).
I’m in a tough spot: I intend on applying as a poli sci major to pretty selective schools (especially Yale, Vandy, and Northwestern) this fall and I feel like I don’t have the time or energy to devote to studying for this exam (or the SAT) again. I also feel like I’m staying in this 34ish range no matter how much I study or prep.
I also took the SAT twice and my highest score was a 1520 (EBRW: 740, Math: 780). My superscored SAT is also still a 1520.
So what should I do? Which scores should I submit? Do I submit the 34 ACT composite, both my ACT scores, the 1520 SAT, or a combination? Or, should I consider going test optional?
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2 answers
Hi @Boda3,
Honestly you are overthinking this to detriment of moving forward. Since you have a 36 ACT superscore, the only theoretically higher scenario you can get is take it a 3rd time and get a 36 composite score. But that would be total waste of time and effort.
Colleges do not deliberate the merits of a 36 composite score versus a 36 superscore okay? What's the point. The last time someone calculated how many people got a full 36 composite it was like 5579 out of 1,600,000 million ACT test takers or 0.033%. Who knows the number count of those who have a 36 superscore but I'm sure it's not a very high number either. The fact that you have 36 composite score means that only 5579 people on the planet did better.
Colleges are completely agnostic to anyone applying either with an ACT or SAT score or both. In your case since your SAT is in a much lower percentile bracket equivalent to a 34 ACT means that it is an inferior score to the 36. There is no need to submit your SAT score.
Just keep in mind that submitting a test score only is (1) data point out of literally hundreds that an Elite admissions officer considers on their score card rubric. I think Harvard has 230 data points the last time I counted every criteria.
Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford reject 60% of applicants with perfect 4.0 GPAs and 1600 SAT/36 ACT test scores. Stanford rejects 70% of applicants with perfect test scores. What this should tell you is that in order to maximize your chances at these schools you really have to have other exceptional talents, spikes, and clear evidence of intellectual vitality.
College admissions is NOT a meritocratic process. More than 50% of those admitted ED or EA cycles to elite colleges are ALDC (recruited athletes, legacies, development, and children of faculty) applicants or from a community service matching non-profit like Questbridge or Posse. So most of these applicants do not have perfect 4.0 GPAs or perfect test scores.
So worrying about the optics of a 36 super-scored ACT is not going to serve any purpose in big picture. You are an extremely fortunate person with a an amazing score. I wish you all the best luck in the next admissions cycle.
This is a good article about the Harvard admissions scoring process.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/breakdown-of-the-harvard-admissions-process-1540287000
I recommend submitting both of your ACT scores. This will benefit you the most for schools that super score as well as schools that don't, since those schools still care the most about your individual subscores. Your scores are high enough for top schools, so you don't have to worry about retaking the ACT or SAT.
Also, remember that the college admissions process is holistic - exceptional essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurriculars are all as important as academics. Hope this helps!
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Thank you so much for your response! You’re right - I’m probably overthinking this a lot. But I’m still worried because of my demographics: I’m Indian American and I come from a semi-competitive high school in an affluent area. Based on that alone, I feel like my scores are sub-par to many of the other applicants from the same background as me. Do you still think that I’m overthinking this?