Can anyone explain the ACT score percentiles?

I've been trying to make sense of ACT score percentiles, but I'm a little confused about how these percentiles work and what they actually mean. Is it a comparison among test-takers, or does it have a different meaning? Any help understanding this would be appreciated!

ACT score percentiles are a way to measure how well an individual performed on the ACT compared to other test-takers. These percentiles are calculated based on the scores of all students who have taken the test in a recent three-year cohort. A given percentile rank represents the percentage of test takers who scored at or below that specific ACT score.

Let me give you an example to help illustrate the concept. Suppose you scored a composite ACT score of 28, which corresponds to the 89th percentile. This means that you performed better than 89 percent of all test-takers in that specific cohort, and the remaining 11 percent scored equal to or higher than your score.

Percentiles are useful as they help contextualize your performance, allowing colleges to understand how competitive your score is among applicants. Keep in mind, admissions committees use a holistic approach in evaluating applications, so while ACT scores and percentiles can be an essential factor, other factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations will also be considered.

It's also worth noting that individual colleges have varying expectations for ACT scores. Researching the middle 50% range of admitted students' scores at your target schools will give you a sense of how competitive your ACT score is for those particular institutions. This doesn't guarantee admission or rejection, but it can help you gauge your chances and identify if there's room for improvement.