What's a good ACT score?

I took the ACT and got my results back, but I'm not sure if my score is good enough for applying to colleges. What's considered a good ACT score these days, generally speaking, of course?

A good ACT score can vary depending on the colleges you're targeting, but generally speaking, here's a breakdown of ACT score ranges:

- 36: Perfect score

- 30-36: Excellent score; this range puts you in the top 5% of test takers and is competitive for most selective colleges.

- 24-30: Above average score; placing you in the top 25% of test takers, this score range is sufficient for many colleges and universities.

- 21-24: Average score; corresponds to the 50th percentile, meaning half of test takers score above and half below. This range is adequate for many less selective schools.

- 16-21: Below average score; these scores place you in the bottom 25% of test takers and may limit your college options.

- 1-16: Poor score; this range can significantly hinder your admission chances at most colleges.

It's essential to research your target colleges and understand the average ACT scores of their admitted students. The higher your ACT score is compared to the average at a given school, the better your chances of admission.

However, remember that colleges consider various factors in the admissions process, so your ACT score is just one piece of the puzzle. Strive to balance your test scores with a strong GPA, extracurricular activities, and well-written essays.