Should I be happy with an 18 on the ACT?

I just received my ACT results and got a score of 18. Is this a good score or should I consider retaking the test? What kind of colleges would accept this score?

An 18 on the ACT is considered below average when compared to the national average score, which is around 20-21. Though it might not be considered competitive at selective colleges, it doesn't mean that you won't be accepted into any colleges. There are numerous schools that do not have high minimum ACT requirements or have adopted test-optional policies for their application process. These schools may be a better fit for your current score range.

It's essential to evaluate your own goals and aspirations when it comes to college admissions. If you're aiming for more selective schools or scholarships, retaking the ACT might be a good idea - especially if you believe you can improve your score significantly. Consider investigating test prep resources or working with a tutor to enhance your test-taking skills and subject knowledge. Additionally, increasing your score could open up more opportunities in terms of college choices and in some cases, qualifying for merit-based scholarships.

When searching for colleges that accept lower ACT scores or are test-optional, look for schools that emphasize their holistic review process. This means they consider other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, alongside or in place of test scores. Some community colleges and local state universities might be more lenient with their test score requirements as well.

Ultimately, whether or not you should be happy with your 18 ACT score depends on your personal goals and target schools. It's crucial to research the schools you're interested in and compare your score to their average ranges. If needed, retaking the test and improving your score will provide you with more options and opportunities.