How competitive is a 32 ACT score?

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A score of 32 on the ACT is considered strong, placing in the 98th percentile, which indicates that the student is among the top 1-2 percent of test-takers. While this score is good, it may not be sufficient for highly competitive schools like Washington University in St. Louis. It is suggested that retaking the test could potentially yield a higher score, especially since test-takers often perform better when they are less pressured. Admissions decisions will also heavily weigh other factors, such as grades, extracurricular involvement, and the quality of the admissions essay, rather than solely relying on the ACT score. Overall, a score of 32 is commendable, but applicants should ensure that all aspects of their application are strong to improve their chances at competitive institutions.
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I just got my score today, and I'm happy with it. It's not amazing, but decent. My top choice school is Washington University in St. Louis, but I'm applying to many schools a little less than the caliber. How do you think I'm doing just in this component?

Thanks,
Jameson
 
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A 32's pretty good, but it certainly wouldn't hurt you to take the test another time to see if you can bump it up a couple of points, to give you that extra edge. (Wash. U. is pretty competitive, after all.) In fact, there's a good chance that you'll do better without the pressure of having to do well the second time through. For example, after I took the SAT for the first time, I got a 1480, which is obviously good. However, because I got two wrong on the math portion through dumb mistakes, I decided to take it again. My second time through, I was so relaxed and calm about it that I ended up with a 1570 (this is through the old scoring system, of course).
 
32 is pretty good, not quite sure how it would correspond to the SAT score, it's certainly superior but not excellent in my opinion. It'll make an impression regarding your academic prowess, but they'll still look for your grades and other achievements to complement it.
 
I feel obligated to inform some of the opinions given here, just in case someone finds this thread using a search engine.

A score of 32 is fantastic. That score is in the 98th percentile. Because ACT scores follow a bell curve, any score from 32 to 36 (36 being perfect) puts you in the top 1-2 percent of student scores.

That being said, yes, Washington U is competitive. However, with a composite of 32, you won't be rejected because of your score; it will be because of a bad admissions essay or lack of involvement in activities or something like that.

Hopefully this will help anyone who is trying to actually get an accurate idea of where they stand with a given score.
 
This thread is 5-1/2 years old. The OP has graduated from college by now.
 

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