How do you interpret a 26 score on the ACT?

I got my ACT scores back, and I scored a 26. Is that a competitive score, or should I consider retaking the test? Thanks in advance for any advice!

A 26 on the ACT is a solid score, placing you in about the 85th percentile of test-takers, meaning you scored better than roughly 85% of students who took the ACT. However, whether this score is competitive or not depends on the colleges you're aiming for and your overall application profile.

For many state universities and less selective private institutions, a 26 is a competitive score. On the other hand, if you're targeting highly selective colleges or schools with rigorous programs, your 26 might be on the lower end of their middle 50% score ranges. As an example, the middle 50% ACT score for admitted students at schools like Washington University in St. Louis and UCLA typically falls between 30 and 35.

Retaking the ACT could be a smart decision if you believe you can improve your score with additional preparation, especially if it helps you become a more competitive applicant for your top-choice schools. An improvement of just a few points can make a significant difference in your application strength.

Also, review the other components of your application, such as grades and extracurricular involvement, as they play an essential role in admissions decisions. If you have a strong GPA, rigorous course load, and exemplary extracurricular achievements, a 26 might not hold you back as much as if your application were less strong in other areas.

Make sure to research the test-optional or test-flexible policies of the schools you're interested in, as some colleges may not require or emphasize standardized test scores as much as others.

In conclusion, consider the schools you're applying to, your overall application strength, and the potential for improvement if you were to retake the ACT when deciding whether a 26 is a competitive enough score.