Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior and I just got my ACT score back. I'm wondering what's considered a good ACT score for colleges? Like, what's the range I should ideally fall in? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! A "good" ACT score varies depending on the types of colleges you are targeting. The national average is usually around 21, but more selective schools will be looking for much higher scores. Here's a rough breakdown of ACT score ranges:
- 16-20: Below average
- 21-24: Average
- 25-28: Above average
- 29-32: Competitive for most colleges
- 33-36: Competitive for top colleges
It's important to research the specific schools you're interested in and see where your score falls in comparison to their middle 50% range—that's the range of ACT scores where 50% of enrolled students scored. You can usually find this information on the college's admissions website, or on third party platforms like CollegeVine. If your score falls within or above this range, your ACT score will likely be considered competitive at that specific college. But remember, most schools use a holistic admissions process, so your ACT score is just one piece of your overall application.
Ultimately, what makes an ACT score "good enough" will depend on the particular college's standards and your overall application, as being exceptional in other areas can help compensate for a lower ACT score. But in general, the higher your score, the better, especially at highly selective institutions. Good luck!
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