Have my chances at Dartmouth or UPenn improved through my ACT scores or do they mean nothing?

Question

A few weeks ago I asked whether my chances at Dartmouth were good, as well as asked whether my UPenn attendence was probable. Both answers were met with the phrase "Standardized test scores need to be improved." After getting back my ACTs, I have begun to reevaluate my college chances. I recieved a 31 composite score (nothing to go crazy over). I recieved a 32 English and 35 Math, which from what I hear are the two that are most looked at. On the SATs I recieved a 620 CR, 650 Writing, and an 800 Math. Though the 31 ACT translates to a 1380 (2070), which is lower than my SAT scores, in both of these univesities a 31 is in the middle 50 percentile accepted. My question, therefore, is this: does the 31 help my chances at Upenn (where I can submit only my ACT) or Dartmouth (where I have to submit my SATs and if desired the ACTs)?

PS I'm planning on applying ED to one of these school, either UPENN Wharton or Dartmouth College.

Answer 1

Reading this question I could fail to notice the similarities your situation has with my own. I was accepted early decision to UPenn-Wharton last December with a 1990 SAT (630CR, 650WR, 710MATH), a 31 ACT, 760 Math Level 2, 800 Spanish. I sent both and I think you should too becuase your SAT II are really good. The university will look at both your scores and choose whichever is better. They also like to see improvement over the testing process. Your ACT does help your admission chances, because your 31 puts you in the 98th percentile, which is really good. Anyway, your standarized test scores are okay and it will not stop you from being accepted if you have great grades, leadership, and a good application.

I would also suggest to keep on studying and take both tests more times. I went up significantly in the SAT (although it was useless becuase I had already been accepted). Also, if you want to go to Wharton, you should definitely apply early becuase the admission rates is almost three times larger. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I would say your scores are about average now...and knowing nothing else about you, is a bad thing, especially for the Ivy League.

Just by looking at your scores though, I would say you stand a good chance for Dartmouth, and that it's a toss up for UPenn.