Standardized Tests vs. Extracurriculars

Applying to College
1

<p>So should I 1) spend the remainder of the summer preparing hardcore for the September ACT in a last-minute attempt to raise my 32.5 (33) to a more competitive 34.0 or 34.5 (35)? OR 2) should I instead continue increasing my ECs (current list is kinda unimpressive). Which option would give me a better chance at colleges like:
Notre Dame
Duke (Pratt or Trinity)
Vanderbilt
Northwestern </p>

<p>Which is more important???</p>

<p>To see the unimpressive current list of ECs, refer to the following:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/961148-marquette-notre-dame-duke-vanderbilt.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/961148-marquette-notre-dame-duke-vanderbilt.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>This might be helpful…
Best Composite: 32.5
Super Scored Composite: 33.0
English: 34 (best score was a 36)
Math: 33
Reading: 34
Science: 29</p>

2

<p>Science is so easy to improve, do that. You can’t create a top school level EC in a summer.</p>

3

<p>Thanks! and good point. Do you know any particular methods for improving science other than lots of practice?</p>

4

<p>Additional opinions?</p>

5

<p>Since your low on time go for the ACT score (Science is so easy to score high on).</p>

6

<p>I know somebody who is going to Notre Dame this year she got a 1200/1600 SAT score but had very good EC’s. So I’m sure it was her grades and EC’s that got her in</p>

7

<p>^anecdotes are worthless. Also its Notre Dame.</p>

8

<p>There’s little you can do now to make your list impressive [in the context of those schools]. A 34/35 would move you from the middle to the top of their ACT ranges though, which would definitely be an improvement. Focus on that.</p>

9

<p>Which one - tests or ECs - do these and other top colleges care more about?</p>

<p>Could a legacy at ND possibly make up for a lack of ECs?</p>

<p>And best way to improve science score (I already skip the introductory passages)?</p>

10

<p>Buuuuuuump…</p>

11

<p>So colleges don’t care about a particular EC you focused on for several weeks? If you put enough time into it and get results, I think they should.
And to answer OP, you should focus on both! studying for ACT is time-consuming but it doesn;t take up your whole summer. Just a couple hours a day for each would work.</p>

12

<p>buuuuuuuump…
which one is weighed more heavily in the admissions process? Just curious</p>

13

<p>ECs won’t get you into a college, but test scores will keep you out.</p>

14

<p>So this means test scores are ultimately more important? Could ECs make or break a resume?</p>

15

<p>^ Only if they are substantial and relevant.</p>

16

<p>The only ECs that impress competitive colleges ar ethe one you spend a lot of time on and are passionate about - adding 4 weeks is not going to make much of an impact. Grind away on that ACT.</p>