Good ACT Scores for 2023 Admissions

Hey! I'm a junior, and I'm really starting to stress about my ACT scores. What are considered good ACT scores for college admissions in 2023? How do I know if my score is competitive enough for my target schools? Thanks!

Hey there! It's completely normal to feel stressed about standardized test scores. A "good" ACT score can vary depending on the competitiveness of your target colleges. Here's a general guideline to help you understand how ACT scores are usually perceived:

- 36: Perfect score - Extremely competitive for every school

- 34-35: Stellar score - Highly competitive for top-tier colleges

- 30-33: Strong score - Competitive for most schools, top candidates at mid-tier colleges

- 24-29: Average score - Less competitive for very selective schools, but good for many schools

- 18-23: Below average score - May limit options for selective colleges unless other parts of your application shine

- 17 or below: Low score - Consider retaking to improve chances at most colleges

To determine if your score is competitive enough for a specific college:

1. Research the middle 50% ACT score range for each school on your list. The middle 50% (also referred to as the 25th-75th percentile) refers to the scores of admitted students, with 25% scoring below that range and 25% scoring above. You can usually find this information on the college's admission website or by searching for "[college name] middle 50% ACT scores."

2. Compare your own score to that range. If your score falls within or above the middle 50%, your score is considered competitive for that school. If your score is below the 25th percentile, it's less competitive, but other strong aspects of your application, such as GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, can still make you a contender for admission.

Keep in mind that starting from 2022, many schools have adopted test-optional policies due to the pandemic, and some have made this change permanent. This means that you can apply without submitting your ACT scores if you believe that they don't accurately represent your academic abilities or if you think other parts of your application are stronger. That being said, a competitive score can still be advantageous at test-optional schools.

Ultimately, focusing on a holistic application with strong extracurriculars and essays can help to balance out any concerns you have about your ACT score. And if you really feel that your score is holding you back, consider retaking the test or trying the SAT, as some students perform better on one exam over the other. Good luck!