Earning a 34 on the ACT is a significant achievement. With the ACT scored on a scale of 1–36, a 34 puts you among the top 1% of test-takers nationwide. This score not only opens doors to many top-tier public and private colleges across the U.S. but also boosts your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships. In this article, we’ll explore colleges that accept a 34 ACT score, how this score ranks nationally, potential financial aid opportunities, and whether you need to retake the ACT at all.

Is 34 a Good ACT Score?

Absolutely. A 34 ACT score places you in the 99th percentile, meaning you’ve outperformed 99% of test-takers. It signals excellent readiness for college-level coursework and makes you a competitive applicant at even the most selective universities, including Ivy League schools. Most top universities have a middle 50% ACT score ranging between 32–35, so scoring a 34 places you near or above the average at these schools. Additionally, many competitive scholarships and honors programs use ACT scores as a key criterion—and a 34 helps you stand out.

Pro Tip: Pairing your 34 ACT score with a strong GPA, leadership experience, and personal essays will enhance your application further, especially for elite schools.

What Colleges Accept a 34 ACT Score?

Plenty of prestigious universities and liberal arts colleges will enthusiastically welcome students with a 34 ACT score. Here’s a sample of institutions where your score puts you well within or above their average accepted range:

A 34 ACT score positions you as a competitive applicant at these and many other selective schools, especially when paired with strong academic and extracurricular achievements.

Should You Retake the ACT If You Scored a 34?

In most cases, no—you don’t need to retake the ACT if you scored a 34. However, consider retaking the test if:

• You're targeting ultra-competitive Ivy League schools (like MIT, Harvard, or Stanford) and have time to improve to a 35–36.
• You missed a perfect score due to test-day nerves or pacing.
• You want to maximize your chances for top-tier merit scholarships that prioritize test scores.

But for most applicants, a 34 is more than sufficient to compete for admission and scholarships at nearly every college in the U.S.

34 ACT Score to SAT Equivalent

A 34 ACT roughly equates to a 1510–1550 on the SAT, which also places you in the 99th percentile. This conversion ensures your competitiveness across institutions that accept either the SAT or ACT.

Can You Get Scholarships with a 34 ACT Score?

Yes—absolutely. A 34 ACT score can unlock generous merit-based scholarships, especially from:

• Public flagship universities (e.g., University of Alabama, University of Kentucky)
• Private universities with academic excellence awards
• Honors colleges with automatic scholarship consideration

Types of Scholarships to Consider:

• Merit-based aid (offered automatically or through applications)
• Institutional scholarships based on GPA and ACT
• Private scholarships that require high standardized test scores
• Leadership/community service-based awards

Pro Tip: Search for scholarships early and use your high ACT score to stand out from the crowd.

Top Colleges That May Accept a 34 ACT Score

Here’s a curated list of top colleges where a 34 ACT score falls within or above the average range:

Whether you're aiming for Ivy Leagues, elite public universities, or strong liberal arts colleges, a 34 ACT score gives you a strong advantage. A 34 ACT score is a golden ticket for college admissions. It qualifies you for elite schools, strong scholarships, and competitive academic programs. While retaking the test may be unnecessary for most, use your time instead to craft standout essays, secure strong recommendations, and apply early to your dream schools.