The ACT is a comprehensive standardized test that many colleges and universities consult as part of their application process. Composed of four sections, Math, Science, Reading, and English, the ACT features 215 questions designed to be answered in 2 hours and 55 minutes. There’s also an optional Writing portion to the exam that is scored separately and differently.
Of the roughly 2 million students who take the ACT every year, the average score hovers around 21.
Is a 34 ACT Score (# Percentile) Good?
With a 34, you can apply to every college and university in the country and be competitive for admission to all of them, including selective schools. Because one of the purposes of the ACT is to generate a wide variety of colleges to choose from, a score of 34 can be judged a complete success.
To fully appreciate what that means, let’s talk percentiles. A 34 ACT score puts you at the 99% percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 99% of all test takers! That’s impressive!
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 34?
An ACT score of 34 enables you to apply to every college and university throughout the country. We’ve assembled a representative list of those schools below. While no standardized test score automatically leads to admission, all of these schools have established a history of accepting students who earn a 34.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 34 Score?
There’s no need to retake the ACT with a score of 34. A 34 makes you eligible and competitive for all colleges and universities, which is the goal!
For juniors, remember that most colleges weigh ACT scores and GPA about equally. So now is the time to focus on every class to ensure that your GPA is as impressive as your score of 34. As mentioned previously, a score of 34 leads to a huge number of college options and the sheer size of the list can feel intimidating. Pay a visit to your school’s college resource center and ask the college counselor for assistance. After getting to know you better, they’ll be able to recommend a list of schools for further research.
Even if you’re applying to the Ivy League institutions, there isn’t an incredible need to retake the ACT. An ACT score of 34 lands you solidly in their average acceptance area. For an above average score, a 35 would increase competitiveness, but it’s not an easy score to obtain. Analyze the breakdown of your current score and see if there’s a specific area for improvement.
If you’re a senior, the best place to focus your efforts on is making sure the rest of your application is up to the standard you’ve set with an ACT score of 34. Review your college list, which should include safety, reach, and match schools. Take the time to compose a thoughtful and persuasive personal essay and have your college counselor critique it. If any teachers had an impact on your high school years, contact them and ask for a letter of recommendation.
34 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 34 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1520 to 1550 on the SAT. There are some differences to these two standardized tests, so what you earn on one test may not be what you earn on the other, but this is a good way to understand how your score compares.
Scholarships for a 34 ACT Score
With a score of 34 on the ACT, you’re eligible for merit aid from both your future college or university and from third-party scholarship providers. On top of applying for merit aid, make sure you apply to scholarships for other things, too, including location, life circ*mstances, future major, passions, and more. Use our scholarships database to find the right scholarships for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 34 a good ACT score?
A 34 ACT score makes you eligible for acceptance at every college and university, competitive at even selective institutions, and qualified for merit aid. All of that taken into consideration, a 34 ACT is a very good score.
What colleges can I get into with a 34 ACT score?
You’re eligible to apply to every college, including very selective ones. Among your Target institutions, you can consider the University of Chicago, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Cornell University.
What percentile is a 34 ACT score?
A 34 ACT puts you at the 99th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 99% of all test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 34 ACT score?
A 34 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1520 to 1550 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 34 ACT score?
A 34 ACT score makes you qualified for merit aid from your potential future institution and third-party scholarship providers. Apply for merit scholarships as well as ones for your extracurriculars, future major, life circ*mstances and more!
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