How does a 26 on the ACT stack up against other scores?

Hello! I recently got my ACT score and it's a 26. How does this score compare to other students' scores? Is it good enough for applying to competitive colleges? Looking for some insight from you all!

A 26 on the ACT is a fairly solid score, placing you above the national average of around 20-21. You're in the 82nd percentile, meaning that you scored better than approximately 85% of test-takers. However, when it comes to more competitive colleges, you might find that your score is on the lower side.

Selective colleges and universities often have median ACT scores within the 30-36 range. Therefore, it's important to set realistic expectations for the schools you're considering. A 26 on the ACT might be a strong fit for less competitive or some mid-level schools, but it could fall short for the most elite universities, making it more challenging to gain acceptance.

However, it's essential to remember that test scores aren't everything in the college admissions process. What sets you apart could be other factors like your extracurriculars, essays, and community involvement, which demonstrate your well-roundedness, interests, and potential contributions to the campus community. Additionally, many schools have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, which means you may not have to submit your ACT score to some of the institutions on your list.

If you think your ACT score could be a limiting factor for the schools you're interested in, you could consider retaking the exam to improve your score, and focus on building a strong overall application, which includes a good GPA, challenging coursework, effective essays, and meaningful extracurricular activities.

Keep in mind that each college has specific admissions criteria, so do thorough research on the schools you're considering and understand the test score ranges for admitted students to better gauge your chances.