What kind of STEM major?
Different STEM majors have different levels of math intensity.
Entomology or plant science.
Neither entomology nor plant science at Cornell has calculus as a major requirement, so they would not be considered math-heavy majors (however, both do require an introductory statistics course). General biological science at Cornell does require a semester of calculus and a second quantitative course which may be another semester of calculus, statistics, or finite math.
The question then becomes whether admission to Cornell generally or its Agriculture and Life Sciences division would be harmed by a 30 math section of the ACT. If so, what level of ACT math score would be needed to be considered non-harmful?
Cornell doesnāt seem to publish ACT splits in the CDS - but Columbiaās 25th percentile for math is 32, WUSTL is 31, Vanderbilt a 32, Rice a 33.
So a 30 at like schools - is deficient.
Now a 30 is excellent and we donāt know the school list - but since Cornell was mentioned.
Thatās why Iād retest.
Best of luck.
This may be off topic, but I donāt see a foreign language here. Has she taken at least three years of the same foreign language? I believe Cornell requires 3 years. Most selective schools like to see 3-4 years of the same language.
On your original question, my recommendation is to retake the test and focus on the math portion. A 30 math sub score will hurt at elite schools.
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Thanks - she will have 3 years of a foreign language. Just not this year.
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I donāt see anything official from Cornell but nextadmit says their middle 50 for ACT math is 32-35 (and English 34-36). So another vote for a retake with a focus on the math section.
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Thanks, all. Much appreciated. The consensus is to retake, focusing on math, with the goal being 32+.
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Sorry - I should have said for the schools my S25 was applying to. No Ivys but the Wisconsins, South Carolina, VT and marylands of the world.
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