Is a 24 ACT score good?

I recently took the ACT and got a 24. I'm not sure whether this is a good score or not. Can you guys give me some perspective on whether a 24 on the ACT is competitive for college admissions?

A 24 on the ACT is considered a solid score, as it falls around the 78th percentile, meaning you scored higher than approximately 78% of students who took the exam. However, the competitiveness of this score will depend on the schools you are targeting and their average admitted test scores.

For some context, the ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with 36 being a perfect score. The national average ACT score tends to be around 20-21, so a 24 places you above the average. If you are looking to apply to regional public universities, smaller private colleges, or schools with less competitive admissions processes, a 24 can be quite competitive and should not hinder your application.

On the other hand, if you plan to apply to more selective colleges, or "reach" schools that typically admit students with higher test scores, a 24 may put you at a disadvantage when compared to other applicants. In such cases, it might be worthwhile to consider retaking the ACT and aiming for a higher score to boost your chances of admission.

Remember, though, that standardized test scores like the ACT are just one part of your college application, and many schools today are putting more focus on holistic admissions. Make sure to work on developing a strong application in other areas, such as maintaining a good GPA, showcasing your extracurricular activities, acquiring strong letters of recommendation, and writing impactful essays.

You can research the middle 50% ACT scores for your target schools to see where your score of 24 falls and whether you are in the competitive range. Keep in mind that many schools now have test-optional policies, meaning you may not need to submit ACT scores at all if you believe they do not represent your academic potential.