Is an ACT score of 21 good?

Hey guys, just got my ACT scores and I ended up with a 21. What do you think about this score? Is it good enough for most colleges? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! An ACT score of 21 has historically generally been considered average, but in recent years the score has been around the 64th percentile, meaning you scored better than 64% of the test-takers. Depending on the colleges you're interested in, this may or may not be a competitive score.

If you're targeting more selective schools or top-tier universities, a 21 might not be a strong enough score for those institutions, as their admitted students typically have higher ACT scores. For example, many selective schools have average ACT scores in the 28-36 range. However, if you're considering less selective schools or public state universities, your ACT score of 21 could be sufficient, especially if you have strong grades, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of your application.

It's important to research the average ACT scores for admitted students at the colleges on your list. This will give you a sense of how competitive your score is at those schools, and whether you may want to consider retaking the test to improve your chances.

Remember, while standardized test scores play a role in the admissions process, colleges typically look at multiple aspects of a student's application. Strong grades, a rigorous course load, involvement in extracurricular activities, and impressive letters of recommendation can all help to strengthen your college application and make up for an average test score.

Best of luck!