What are typical ACT score ranges for competitive colleges?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to gauge where my ACT score stands in comparison to what various competitive colleges might be looking for. What are some typical ACT score ranges that top colleges accept?

Typical ACT score ranges for competitive colleges can vary, but generally, you'll find that students who are accepted into top-tier institutions tend to have scores of 30 or higher. As a rough guide, here are some common ACT score ranges for a few top colleges:

- Ivy League schools (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Princeton): 32-36

- Highly selective liberal arts colleges (e.g., Amherst, Swarthmore, Williams): 30-34

- Top-tier public universities (e.g., University of Michigan, UCLA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill): 30-34

Keep in mind that these ranges are approximate, and the exact scores that make a student competitive can vary depending on the specific institution and the other components of their application. In some cases, colleges will provide their middle 50% range of admitted students, meaning the range wherein 50% of admitted students' scores lie. Additionally, remember that some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning that you won't be required to submit your ACT scores for consideration during the admissions process.

It's important to take a holistic approach when evaluating your application, as your ACT score is just one aspect that competitive colleges will consider. Do your best to ensure that your application reflects your strengths, especially your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays.