ACT Scores and College Expectations

I'm prepping for my ACT and curious about what the norm is for most colleges. Does anyone have insight on what ACT score most colleges require or consider competitive?

Generally speaking, a "competitive" ACT score can greatly vary depending on the institution you're targeting. The general rule of thumb is to aim for a score at or above the average for admitted students at your particular school of interest.

For instance, highly selective colleges like those in the Ivy League typically have an average ACT score between 32 and 35. More moderately competitive schools might be looking for scores in the mid to high 20s, while open admission colleges would consider any ACT score.

However, remember, standardized test scores are just one facet of your application. Other key factors include your GPA, your extracurricular activities, your course rigor, and your essays. These, along with your ACT score, paint a holistic picture of you as an applicant.

It's essential to consider that more and more schools are adopting test-optional admissions policies, indicating that they don't require ACT or SAT scores for admission. But some schools, such as the ones we mentioned earlier (Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech), for the 2024-2025 application cycle, are requiring standardized test scores again.

In conclusion, a good ACT score depends on where you are applying. Consider researching the average ACT scores of admitted students at your schools of interest to get a better idea of what you should be aiming for. The data might be found on the college's admissions website or third-party college resource platforms. Aiming to meet or exceed these scores could strengthen your chances of admission.