Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What colleges accept a 14 ACT score?

I'm a little worried about my ACT score of 14, and I'm not sure which colleges will accept it. Can anyone give me some suggestions on schools to apply to?

7 months ago

I understand your concern about your ACT score and the impact it might have on college admissions. While a 14 is indeed below the national average, there are still colleges that can be a good fit for you. The important thing is finding those institutions that focus more on holistic admissions and less on test scores.

You have a few options to consider:

1. Community colleges: They generally don't have minimum ACT score requirements and can offer an accessible and affordable setting to begin your higher education. Many students start at a community college to improve their academic standing and later transfer to a four-year institution.

2. Test-optional schools: There are colleges and universities that have test-optional or test-flexible policies. These schools place less emphasis on standardized test scores in their admissions process and look more closely at factors like your high school GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Examples of test-optional schools include The University of Arizona, DeSales University, and Northern Arizona University.

3. Colleges with flexible admission standards: There are four-year institutions with flexible admission standards that may consider your overall application stronger than your ACT score. While a 14 may still be on the lower side for these schools, if the other components of your application are strong, you might have a chance. Schools like Western Kentucky University and Shawnee State University might fall into this category, but it's important to research each school's requirements and reach out to their admissions offices with any questions.

To maximize your opportunities for college acceptance, focus on other aspects of your application. Invest time in crafting a compelling personal statement, gathering strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing your extracurricular achievements and leadership experiences.

In addition, you might consider retaking the ACT with the help of test prep resources or trying the SAT as it may better fit your abilities. Improving your standardized test scores could open up more college options for you. Remember, many factors contribute to college admissions, and a lower ACT score doesn't necessarily mean you won't find a college to attend. Good luck!

7 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.