How do I find ACT test requirements for different colleges?

Hi there! I'm currently in my junior year and starting to think about college applications. Is there an easy way to find out what ACT scores are required, or at least recommended, by different colleges? I want to make sure I'm on the right track.

Hi! It's great that you're thinking ahead about college applications and ACT scores. While colleges won't necessarily have specific "requirements" for ACT scores, they often provide middle 50% score ranges for admitted students. These ranges give you a general idea of the ACT scores that are competitive for a given school. Keep in mind, though, that the admissions process is holistic, and other factors like GPA, extracurricular involvement, and essays also play crucial roles.

To find the middle 50% ACT score ranges for different colleges, you can start by visiting the college's admissions website and looking for a section called "Class Profile" or "Admitted Student Profile." This will usually provide details on the academic profile of recently admitted students, including the ACT score ranges.

Another resource you can utilize is CollegeVine. CollegeVine aggregates data and offers information on a wide range of college-related topics, including ACT score ranges. Just search for the college you're interested in, and you'll find numerous details, including their average admitted student's test scores.

Lastly, you can also look up college-ranking websites or college guides like those published by U.S. News & World Report, Peterson's, and The Princeton Review. These publications typically report various data points for colleges, including admitted student test score ranges.

By doing this research, you can get a better understanding of the test scores that tend to be competitive for your target schools. Remember that these are just ranges and not strict cutoffs. If your ACT score falls in the middle 50% range – or even above it – it's a good sign that you're on the right track. But if it's lower than the range, don't lose hope! There are many other factors in the application process, and a strong application in other areas can still make you a competitive candidate. Good luck!