u/PictureReasonable971

Hi all! I’ve been grinding out the practice tests lately because I’m scheduled to take the ACT in less than a week now. I’m consistently getting in the 31 to 33 range in reading and I want to know:

1. How can I get that up and stop missing stupid questions that I seemingly rush on?

2. How in the world and I supposed to finish on time?(I’m typically 2-3 mins over time consistently)

It seems like even people with lower composite scores can get in the high 30s, so maybe there’s something I’m doing wrong. Reading is the only thing that I’m really worried about as of right now and I’m trying to get a 36 by the September ACT to secure a full-ride at my state school🤞

Please feel free to give me recommendations on any methods that helped you manage time while maintaining correctness. Thanks in advance!

Hello! I’m a rising senior considering to apply Early Decision to UPenn Wharton since it’s my dream school, and from what I’ve seen, the ED acceptance rate is substantially higher than Regular Decision (almost 4x).

I know my GPA isn’t ideal for Wharton (currently around a 3.6 UW with a strong upward trend), but I think the rest of my application is much stronger.

I’m first-generation, don’t need financial aid, founded a STEM education company that’s already in multiple school districts and after-school programs (reached over 100k people), placed fourth at a selective national business competition while winning two category awards, have paid R&D experience with a nationally recognized tech company with my research set to be implemented (I can attach a dollar amount when it is, but my research will generate ~$100k ARR on the lower end) and have been a four-year JV/Varsity quarterback.

I also haven’t taken the official ACT yet, but I’ve scored a 34 and a 36 on my first two full-length practice tests, and I’m taking the real ACT in July.

Realistically, does applying ED to Wharton give me a legitimate shot, or is my GPA likely to be too much of a hurdle? Also, is there anything I should focus on before applications open that could meaningfully strengthen my chances?

My application is fairly business/STEM-oriented, and one of my main extracurriculars is founding a STEM education company.

Instead of making my Common App essay about the business itself, I’m focusing on the personal experience that led me to start it.

The essay begins with a STEM toy I received as a kid that sparked my interest in building/engineering. A year later, my family’s financial situation changed, and opportunities like that became much less accessible. I touch on how although I live in an affluent community, many families quietly face similar barriers to STEM opportunities. I then touch on founding a STEM kit company and how that realization became the motivation behind building an affordable STEM kit and eventually bringing it into local schools and after-school programs. The essay ends with a STEM event where I watched kids use the kits for the first time, tying that moment back to my own childhood experience.

My concern is that the essay may come across as too “mission-driven” or focused on the company rather than on me, even though I tried to make it about the values and perspective that led me to build it. I’m aiming for something that feels authentic and reflective rather than like a startup pitch. I’d really appreciate any feedback on whether the overall concept works and whether it feels like a compelling Common App essay.

For context, I’m applying to highly selective private schools and state schools.

My application is fairly business/STEM-oriented, and one of my main extracurriculars is founding a STEM education company.

Instead of making my Common App essay about the business itself, I’m focusing on the personal experience that led me to start it.

The essay begins with a STEM toy I received as a kid that sparked my interest in building/engineering. A year later, my family’s financial situation changed, and opportunities like that became much less accessible. I touch on how although I live in an affluent community, many families quietly face similar barriers to STEM opportunities. I then touch on founding a STEM kit company and how that realization became the motivation behind building an affordable STEM kit and eventually bringing it into local schools and after-school programs. The essay ends with a STEM event where I watched kids use the kits for the first time, tying that moment back to my own childhood experience.

My concern is that the essay may come across as too “mission-driven” or focused on the company rather than on me, even though I tried to make it about the values and perspective that led me to build it. I’m aiming for something that feels authentic and reflective rather than like a startup pitch. I’d really appreciate any feedback on whether the overall concept works and whether it feels like a compelling Common App essay.

Hello! I’m currently a rising senior in high school who’s been contemplating the whole application process.

My freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t study or pay much attention in class and solely relied on raw intellect. Naturally, I underachieved heavily: mostly A’s, a few B’s, and two C’s. Since then, I’ve improved significantly, and this past year, my junior year, I received straight A’s. I took mostly dual enrollment courses as well as pre-calculus and physics. Next year, I’ll be taking a ton of more CCPs and my first two APs (Physics C:Mechanics and Calculus AB). Currently, my UW GPA sits at a 3.6. However, if I continue my streak of A’s it can get up to a 3.7.

I can get good LOR from my English teacher as well as my Physics C teacher, as I have a good relationship with both. I had this particular English teacher both freshman and junior year, she can touch on how she’s seen me blossom as a student and apply myself more. My physics teacher can help to corroborate by saying how both my junior year and the beginning of my senior year I’ve been attentive and paid rigorous attention to detail. Just a rough idea, thought of it on the spot just now.

Even though I didn’t start off strong, I’ve worked relentlessly to turn things around for myself. I know only 2 APs and a 3.7 UW is low for the colleges I’m interested in, regardless of my turnaround. I guess I’m still a little worried because college admissions seem extremely competitive in general. I’m planning to major in engineering (EE/ME) or business, and I’m curious as to what colleges are realistic given my academic record.

Some basic info:

-Interested in a major in business or EE/ME. Possibly both business and engineering

-Paid R&D at a nationally renowned real estate CRM company (my work is in the plans to be implemented. hopefully I can attach a dollar amount to my contribution once it is.)

-Fourth place at a selective national business competition, won 2 out of 3 category awards.

-Founded a STEM kit company that gives accessibility to kids and families who, otherwise, likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore this avenue at a young age. My product is in nearly 10 after-school programs and school districts; even after launching just earlier this year.

-JV/Varsity Football Quarterback for 4 years

-I have yet to submit an ACT score on CommonApp, however, my first two practice exams I received a 34 and a 36 composite. I am scheduled to take the official test in July.

-First-gen

-No need for financial aid

I’d appreciate any input as to what I can do from now until applications open up to make myself a more qualified applicant. T20 is my dream, but I know this option may be mostly off the table at this point.

Hello! I’m currently a rising senior in high school who’s been contemplating the whole application process.

My freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t study or pay much attention in class and solely relied on raw intellect. Naturally, I underachieved heavily: mostly A’s, a few B’s, and two C’s. Since then, I’ve improved significantly, and this past year, my junior year, I received straight A’s. I took mostly dual enrollment courses as well as pre-calculus and physics. Next year, I’ll be taking a ton of more CCPs and my first two APs (Physics C:Mechanics and Calculus AB). Currently, my UW GPA sits at a 3.6. However, if I continue my streak of A’s it can get up to a 3.7.

I can get good LOR from my English teacher as well as my Physics C teacher, as I have a good relationship with both. I had this particular English teacher both freshman and junior year, she can touch on how she’s seen me blossom as a student and apply myself more. My physics teacher can help to corroborate by saying how both my junior year and the beginning of my senior year I’ve been attentive and paid rigorous attention to detail. Just a rough idea, thought of it on the spot just now.

Even though I didn’t start off strong, I’ve worked relentlessly to turn things around for myself. I know only 2 APs and a 3.7 UW is low for the colleges I’m interested in, regardless of my turnaround. I guess I’m still a little worried because college admissions seem extremely competitive in general. I’m planning to major in engineering (EE/ME) or business, and I’m curious as to what colleges are realistic given my academic record.

Some basic info:

-Interested in a major in business or EE/ME. Possibly both business and engineering

-Paid R&D at a nationally renowned real estate CRM company (my work is in the plans to be implemented. hopefully I can attach a dollar amount to my contribution once it is.)

-Fourth place at a selective national business competition, won 2 out of 3 category awards.

-Founded a STEM kit company that gives accessibility to kids and families who, otherwise, likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore this avenue at a young age. My product is in nearly 10 after-school programs and school districts; even after launching just earlier this year.

-JV/Varsity Football Quarterback for 4 years

-I have yet to submit an ACT score on CommonApp, however, my first two practice exams I received a 34 and a 36 composite. I am scheduled to take the official test in July.

-First-gen

-No need for financial aid

I’d appreciate any input as to what I can do from now until applications open up to make myself a more qualified applicant. T20 is my dream, but I know this option may be mostly off the table at this point.