What ACT score will make a big impact on admission?

[Hildegard]

My son is a junior and got a 34 on his most recent ACT test. Just wondering if this is high enough to increase his chance of getting in?

 

[Cascadia]

That's pretty high compared to the average student and will make him competitive. I don't think he needs to retake or anything, you can probably focus your attention on other things he needs to improve more.

To answer your question you titled this thread, though: 36.

 

[obsessedcadet]

Good stuff. This looks good, yes.

 

[Theredbaron]

A 34 ACT is great, but keep in mind it's only part of the admissions process and determination. I personally know of a great kid who had a 35 ACT, all the leadership, Varsity sport, AP or dual enrollment with above a 4.0...great candidate who was turned down. He was basically told there just wasn't enough room for him in a super competitive district. He didn't need a Prep year to improve so it was just a turn down.

In the same admissions cycle my DS was a direct admit with an ACT closer to the "average" along with similar criteria above, but different congressional district. He was later told by an ALO that there were other candidates that looked better on paper, but his nomination interview is what sealed the deal and got him the primary nomination.

So I would encourage him to continue working on all parts of his package. You never know what score, essay, recommendation, or interview might make the biggest impact.

 

[AimHighMom]

You’ve been given good advice above. That’s a great score, even better if the math score is highest. Time to focus on other parts of the application. Academics (high GPA while taking high level STEM), leadership, athletics, physical fitness.