What's a good ACT score for a high school senior?

I'm a senior and I just took the ACT. I'm feeling a little stressed about my score. What would you consider a good ACT score for someone in my situation? Keeping in mind that I'm aiming for some pretty competitive schools. Thanks for your input!

A "good" ACT score for a high school senior typically depends on the competitiveness of the colleges or universities you are targeting, as well as the programs you intend to apply for. Since you mentioned that you're aiming for competitive schools, the higher your score, the greater your chances are of getting accepted into such institutions.

In general, a score of 30 or above is considered quite strong for competitive college admissions. The top colleges and universities in the country, though, such as Ivy League schools and other elite institutions, usually expect applicants to have ACT scores in the 33-36 range.

To get a better sense of what score you should aim for, research the average ACT scores of admitted students at the specific schools on your list, as these will give you a more accurate idea of the scores that those colleges expect from their applicants. Most college websites will have a profile of the most recent incoming class, which often includes average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores. For example, if the middle 50% of a college's admitted students have ACT scores between 31-34, then a score within or above that range would make you a competitive applicant.

It's also important to keep in mind that individual colleges and majors may have different expectations for ACT scores. Some engineering or STEM-heavy programs, for example, may put a greater emphasis on the math section of the ACT. In these cases, scoring highly on the relevant section of the exam might be as important to your prospects as your overall ACT score.

Remember, though, that your ACT score is just one factor in your college application. A strong academic profile, well-crafted personal essays, and meaningful extracurricular activities are also crucial for a well-rounded application. Even if your ACT score is slightly lower than you'd like, being exceptionally strong in these areas can partially compensate for that. Overall, aim for the highest score you can achieve and keep working on other aspects of your application to bolster your chances of getting accepted into those competitive schools. Good luck!