Hey everyone, I'm getting ready to take the ACT soon. Can someone help me understand the composite score range? How high of a score should I aim for to be competitive at top colleges? Thank you!
The ACT composite score range is from 1 to 36. This score is an average of your individual section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), which also range from 1 to 36. The Composite score is rounded to the nearest whole number if necessary.
To be competitive at top colleges, you should generally aim for a composite score of at least 30. However, the more selective the school, the higher the score you'll likely need. For example, at Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions, a score of 33 or above would make you more competitive. It's important to keep in mind that each college has its own preferences and scoring standards, so you should research the middle 50% ACT scores of admitted students for the specific schools you're interested in applying to. This will give you a better idea of the score range you should strive for.
That said, test scores are just one part of your college application. While a high ACT score can certainly improve your chances, top colleges also value factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership, and essays. Make sure to dedicate time and effort to these other aspects of your application to present a well-rounded and strong application overall. Good luck with your ACT preparation!
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