I recently scored a 34 after getting two 32s. How much does this help me for good schools?
I understand it varies school to school, but two applicants with similar credentials and such but one has a 34 and one has a 32 or lower- how much pull does that 34 have?
I’d say that these two scores are different enough that it could boost your chances of admission.
@uafootball27 Unfortunatly not that much. No doubt a 34 is an amazing score, but you have to take it into prospective. If you’re scoring in the 30s in the ACT, the point difference is really small. For example, getting one more question right can bump your score in that section by 1 or even 2 points. The difference between a 32 and 34 can simply be 2-4 more questions right on the ACT that asks over 150+. I know it sucks, but I’m in the same boat. I’ve just received a 32 superscore. 33E, 28M, 32R, and 33S. As long as you’re in the 31+ you can virtually get into any school. The test scores don’t really matter after that. How’s it all about personal statements, recommendation letters, GPA, class rigor, etc. They won’t compare two students and say “Hey, this kid who got a 34 is so much smarter than this one who got a 32.” Nonetheless, a 34 is ridicously good. Congrats. I wish I got that 
I’d say if the applicants were similar enough, that 2 points will make a difference. I mean logically thinking, if the two had equally good scores, ECs, essays, etc. the one who received a 34 will be a better applicant.
All things being equal…except they never are. I doubt it comes down to a conversation that goes, “Hey, look, these two candidates are identical in every way and we can only take one. Let’s go with the kid with the 34.”
More likely, the question is whether the schools’ minimum acceptable ACT is 32 or 34. Once you’ve passed the minimum (for testing, as well as for GPA and class rank), they start looking at your ECs, rec letters, essays, etc…That’s what holistic is about.
So, for specific schools, go to the Common Data Set, section C for that school (most recent year available) and check out what percentage of the student body has 32 or more, vs. 34 or more. Convert your ACT to an SAT score if they don’t provide enough data for ACTs. Then check your other stats and how the school weights various factors like demonstrated interest, etc…You can chance yourself about as well as anyone on here with that information.