ACT Score for CU Boulder Admission?

Hey guys, I'm really interested in applying to the University of Colorado Boulder. What ACT score do you think I should aim for to have a good shot at getting in? Any advice would be super helpful! Thanks!

Hey there! The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) has a holistic admissions process, so test scores are just one part of the application. That said, having a competitive ACT score will definitely improve your chances of getting accepted. In recent years, the middle 50% ACT score range for admitted CU Boulder students was around 29 - 33. This statistic means that 25% of admits scored below a 29, another 25% scored above a 33, and the remaining 50% fell within this range.

To have a strong shot at getting accepted, you should aim to be in the upper half of this range, with an ACT score of at least 31 or 32. Scoring above the 75th percentile is always advantageous, as it can make your application stand out even more. Do keep in mind that some majors may have higher standards for ACT scores as well - if you're applying as an engineering major, for example, you'll likely want to be in the 33-34 range to be competitive.

However, don't forget that CU Boulder looks at other factors as well, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you want tips on how to strengthen your overall application to CU Boulder, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essay(s): https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-colorado-boulder-essays

Finally, it's worth noting that CU Boulder is officially test-optional, so you actually are not required to submit an ACT (or SAT) score. However, you're smart to still be thinking about target ACT scores, as there can still be instances where including a standardized test score with your application can be a good idea. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

Overall, while having a competitive ACT score is essential, it's equally important to have a strong overall application to CU Boulder. Make sure to focus on your grades, participate in extracurricular activities that you're passionate about, and craft compelling personal essays, in addition to aiming for a strong ACT score. Best of luck with your application!