ACT 34

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

This is absolute total and unadulterated BS. Name the schools.

LOL, I am not going to name the schools as that would be a possible invasion of privacy. But you would be psyched if your DC ended up at either.

Also, I didn't say "34 is beyond the pale," just that it goes into a different pile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Yes, water is wet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Yes, water is wet.

Asked and answered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS[/quo


DP -apparently you don’t want to hear this but there is a very big leap from 34 to 35/36. And yes colleges know this because they want those stats to report to USNWR and other ranking services. That why when you get to that level, the mid-tier SLACs who want to buy those scores will call your kid unsolicited and offer $24k- $30 scholarships. My DS got three of those calls. I picked up on if then snd and they offered a $24k scholarship for DC’s 34 but whe I said he had retaken I heard papers rustle and the she aid @oh then we can offer him our President’s scholarship of $3Ok so, yes, schools most definitely out there 35 and 36 in a “different oike@. I could relate for info but since you just want to keep saying “BS” you clearly don’t want to learn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS[/quo


DP -apparently you don’t want to hear this but there is a very big leap from 34 to 35/36. And yes colleges know this because they want those stats to report to USNWR and other ranking services. That why when you get to that level, the mid-tier SLACs who want to buy those scores will call your kid unsolicited and offer $24k- $30 scholarships. My DS got three of those calls. I picked up on if then snd and they offered a $24k scholarship for DC’s 34 but whe I said he had retaken I heard papers rustle and the she aid @oh then we can offer him our President’s scholarship of $3Ok so, yes, schools most definitely out there 35 and 36 in a “different oike@. I could relate for info but since you just want to keep saying “BS” you clearly don’t want to learn.

DP. Soooo…what you’re saying is a 34 got colleges soliciting your DC and offering merit, but when they found out DC had a 35, they offered $6000 more?

So the extra point made no difference in admissions and was worth an additional $6,000 in merit aid? I would say that is “different” but not “significant.” Which is exactly what others have been saying

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

This is absolute total and unadulterated BS. Name the schools.

Well, UVA. 34 is the 50th percentile for kids who showed up last fall. 35 is the 75th percentile, so 25 percent of the attending class had something higher.

Last year’s numbers will skew higher because of the prevalence of kids who chose to not report. Those numbers will be smaller this year given that covid cancellations are no longer an excuse.

No, it’s been just about like that for every year DC was there. Every year the gpa and test scores creep up slightly. Same with W&M -they are almost in lockstep but W&M is just slightly behind in most categories. I think it’s actually the quality if applications there was a concomitant surge in applications to tge publics when parents reassessed their financial situation after the crash in Spring of 2020

Just looked at the statistics and a 34 would put a student in the 75th percentile for admitted students at UVA in 2018 to 2020 (fall of entrance). Guess your memory is wrong.

I’m citing the Official SCHEV statistics for students who showed up to UVA, campus in fall 2021. 75th percentile is a 35. 5Oth percentile is a 34. Look it Up: State Council Higher Education of Virginia. Every parent in Virginua should be familiar with that straight-forward reporting site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

This is absolute total and unadulterated BS. Name the schools.

Well, UVA. 34 is the 50th percentile for kids who showed up last fall. 35 is the 75th percentile, so 25 percent of the attending class had something higher.

Last year’s numbers will skew higher because of the prevalence of kids who chose to not report. Those numbers will be smaller this year given that covid cancellations are no longer an excuse.

No, it’s been just about like that for every year DC was there. Every year the gpa and test scores creep up slightly. Same with W&M -they are almost in lockstep but W&M is just slightly behind in most categories. I think it’s actually the quality if applications there was a concomitant surge in applications to tge publics when parents reassessed their financial situation after the crash in Spring of 2020

Just looked at the statistics and a 34 would put a student in the 75th percentile for admitted students at UVA in 2018 to 2020 (fall of entrance). Guess your memory is wrong.

I’m citing the Official SCHEV statistics for students who showed up to UVA, campus in fall 2021. 75th percentile is a 35. 5Oth percentile is a 34. Look it Up: State Council Higher Education of Virginia. Every parent in Virginua should be familiar with that straight-forward reporting site.

This is only because half of the students accepted did not submit scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS

It is not. You aren’t familiar with what happened in higher Ed last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS

It is not. You aren’t familiar with what happened in higher Ed last year.

Hearsay not enough. I know it didn’t change anything at our school. Kids with 34 got into same schools as the 35/36 kids. Colleges knew only high scoring applicants submitted. Actually, some kids with 33 even got into top schools. Colleges knew that scores would skew higher bc many applicants didn’t submit any scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This board gives me whiplash. I just finished reading at least three posts that any high stats kids has no shot at getting into top schools with perfect scores and how every responder’s kid had 35 or 36 and got into only their safeties.

This board made it sound like a 34 could possibly hurt and the guide books were not to be trusted. So forgive me for being confused.

A 34 means that you've crossed the first cut and they will actually look at the rest of your application. 34/35/36 treated the same at upper tier schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I wasn’t clear. He is looking at schools where a 34 is mid range (33-35). So a 34 is right in the middle. So that would be a situation where score should not hurt (but probably also not help). Am I thinking about that correctly?

Thanks.

Oh I get it now. Yes, a 34 shouldn't hurt his chances anywhere. Those top schools (top 30 or so) admission is less stats driven so unless he brings other factors/hooks, good stats are really nonevermind kinda thing...

Thank you. That is what I hoping I guess- that I 34 would be worth submitting to get the app in the pile to be considered, so to speak.

Have a close relative who has worked in admissions at two select schools - nearly verbatim: "35/36 goes in one pile and 34 goes in another." It's a great score, but it doesn't get in that pile.

Well, duh. But 33 goes into another pile, and 32 and below in another…. See how that works?

Sounds like you're good at sorting.

Relative said it because 34 is great score...but it is not a 35/36, so no need to get out over your skis.

I really have no idea why OP would think DC might consider test optional with that score. If the kid is coming from an aflluent school district/family, admissions will probably assume the ACT is 24 not 34 if the applicant goes test optional.

Duh. Exactly. Sorting is not decisive. You’re the one who implied that not having a 35/36 is determinative.

No, I didn't nor did my relative. I simply relayed that the relative said it goes into a different pile.

Meaning, what, exactly?

If someone is on the fence, then 35/36 may weigh more strongly in their favor than 34.

Such BS

It is not. You aren’t familiar with what happened in higher Ed last year.

Hearsay not enough. I know it didn’t change anything at our school. Kids with 34 got into same schools as the 35/36 kids. Colleges knew only high scoring applicants submitted. Actually, some kids with 33 even got into top schools. Colleges knew that scores would skew higher bc many applicants didn’t submit any scores.

Never did I say that a 34 doesn't get in, only that it goes in a different pile. That's it. It may become material. And maybe not.

My relative has been in this field for nearly 20 years. Doesn't pontificate, but is one tidbit shared with family.