<p>Hi, I would really like to attend Stanford, Duke, or Vandy. I have excellent ECs and over 1,000 volunteer hours; however, (even though I have taken AP Chem and AP Bio and passed both exams) my Science Score seems to be a piece of poop :(. I noticed on Stanford’s admissions website([Stanford</a> University: Common Data Set 2010-2011](<a href=“http://ucomm.stanford.edu/cds/2010.html]Stanford”>http://ucomm.stanford.edu/cds/2010.html)) they only poted the Math, Reading, and English scores. Does that mean, or even hint, that they do not “care” about the Science Section? Here are my 3 ACT test scores. Any information would be very much appreciated :D.</p>
<p>Just for your reference.
[Testing</a> : Stanford University](<a href=“Page Not Found : Stanford University”>Page Not Found : Stanford University)
“For the ACT, we will focus on the highest Composite and the highest Combined English/Writing scores from all test sittings. We will also consider individual subscores.”</p>
<p>Sorry I didn’t make it clear. 16th percentile was for Stanford freshmen students, because 84% who submitted ACT scores got 30-36, so approximately 29 is about the 16th percentile.
(Thanks for pointing it out -.-)
I think ECs and rec do help, but applicants of HYPSM are all excellent students, so they might have the same advantages as you do.
btw, ACT Science has nothing to do with AP science, it is about your understanding of data in.</p>
<p>I hate to break it to you, but unless you can significantly increase your composite score, you won’t be getting into Stanford or Duke without a convincing hook to your application. Vanderbilt is also very unlikely without a higher score; I was accepted at Vanderbilt, and will attend in the fall, but my friend was rejected during the regular decision round with a very solid application, which included a 32 on the ACT. </p>
<p>Anyway, to address your question, my advice is to stop worrying about your score on the science section. Will your score on the science section be considered? Yes, as the score will be provided, and because colleges will exhaust all objective criteria during the admissions process to make differentiation between qualified candidates more direct. Will the score be considered heavily? Probably not, unless it deviates significantly from your other scores and possibly suggests a weakness. </p>
<p>Admission at most schools goes far beyond quantitative data, and so you are much better off allocating energy and thought to other areas of your application that you can directly improve, rather than your ACT science score. Best of luck with the applications.</p>
<p>Lewl a 30 composite score will not get you into Stanford. Unless you get into the 33+ range, Stanford and even Duke are going to be very tough to get into.</p>