Does ACT Connect to Common App? A Guide to Navigating the College Application Maze
Ah, the Common App. That magical portal to your future, where dreams of dorm rooms and late-night study sessions come alive (and where your parents start to fret about college tuition). But navigating this online wonderland can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. And one of the most common questions (and let’s be honest, the most stressful) is: “Does ACT connect to Common App?”
The short answer is yes, ACT scores do connect to Common App, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
Think of it like this. Your ACT scores are like the secret ingredient in your college application recipe. You can’t just chuck them in willy-nilly; you need to know how to use them correctly to make the perfect application “dish.”
So, let’s break down the ACT-Common App connection and clear up any confusion you might have.
The ACT-Common App Connection: A Love-Hate Relationship
The Common App is all about streamlining the application process. It’s like a one-stop shop for your college applications, which is a massive relief when you’re already drowning in college application deadlines.
But the ACT scores section can be a bit of a head-scratcher. It’s not just about entering your scores and hitting “submit.” You need to understand how the Common App handles ACT scores and the role they play in your overall application.
The Common App’s Super Scoring Magic Trick
Here’s the cool thing: the Common App superscores your ACT scores. What does that mean? It means the Common App will take your highest individual section scores from all your ACT attempts and combine them to create your best possible score.
Imagine you took the ACT three times. Your scores were:
- Test 1: English: 28, Math: 25, Reading: 27, Science: 26
- Test 2: English: 26, Math: 28, Reading: 29, Science: 25
- Test 3: English: 27, Math: 27, Reading: 26, Science: 28
The Common App will grab your highest English score (28), highest Math score (28), highest Reading score (29), and highest Science score (28). Bam! Your superscore is now: 28, 28, 29, 28, which is way better than any of your individual test scores.
The superscore is your secret weapon! It shows colleges your best performance, even if you didn’t ace every section on a single test day.
But here’s the catch. Not every college accepts superscores. So, you need to check each school’s specific requirements. Some colleges might prefer your highest single ACT score, while others might not even consider ACT scores at all.
This is where the “hate” part of the ACT-Common App connection comes in. You can’t just assume that the Common App will “do its thing” and magically send your superscore to every college. You need to do your research and understand each school’s testing policies.
The ACT Writing Score: A Tale of Two Scores
If you took the ACT Plus Writing, you’ll have a Writing Test Subscore in addition to your other scores (English, Math, Reading, Science).
This is important! The Common App only wants your Writing Test Subscore, not the combined English/Writing score.
So, make sure you double-check your score report and enter the correct score on the Common App. This is a common mistake, and it’s easy to get confused with all the different scores floating around.
Updating Your ACT Scores on the Common App After Submission? Nope. Not So Fast.
Once you’ve submitted your Common App, you can’t change anything you’ve submitted to a particular college. This includes your ACT scores.
So, if you took the ACT again and got a better score, you’re stuck with the scores you entered on the Common App.
This is where the “love” part of the ACT-Common App connection gets a little tricky. It’s like trying to change your mind about a college after you’ve already been accepted. It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely not easy.
Should You Include Your ACT Scores in Your College Application?
This is the million-dollar question. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- High GPA and High ACT/SAT Score: If your GPA and test scores are both impressive, definitely submit them. You’re showcasing your academic abilities and giving colleges a reason to smile.
- Low GPA but High ACT/SAT Score: Your ACT scores can help compensate for a lower GPA. They show that you have the potential to succeed academically, even if your grades haven’t always reflected that.
- Test-Optional Colleges: Some colleges are test-optional. This means you don’t have to submit your ACT or SAT scores. If you’re confident in your GPA and other application materials, you might consider going test-optional. However, keep in mind that many of these schools are highly selective, so submitting strong test scores can always give you an edge.
ACT Scores: A Crucial (and Often Confusing) Part of the College Application Puzzle
Navigating the ACT-Common App connection can feel like a game of Tetris. You’re trying to fit your scores into a specific mold, hoping they’ll create the perfect picture.
But remember, the most important thing is to show colleges your best self. Whether you’re submitting your superscore, writing test score, or even deciding to go test-optional, make sure you understand the requirements for each school and present yourself in the best possible light.
And don’t forget to have a little fun with the process. College applications are stressful, but they’re also a chance to showcase your personality and passions. So, let your creativity shine through, and remember, you’ve got this!
Need more help figuring out the ACT-Common App connection? We’re here to help! Join our JobLoving community for personalized advice, expert insights, and support throughout your college application journey.
We’re like your personal college application cheerleaders, ready to help you navigate the ups and downs of the process. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your college application game strong!