What does it mean to have a 90th percentile ACT score?

I just got my ACT score and it's in the 90th percentile. I'm not quite sure what that means – is it a good score? And how might it affect my college applications?

A 90th percentile ACT score means that you scored better than 90% of the test-takers who took the same exam. In other words, you are in the top 10% of students who took the ACT. This is considered a good score and demonstrates strong performance on the test.

As for college applications, a 90th percentile ACT score can make you a competitive candidate for many colleges and universities. However, the impact of your ACT score will also depend on other factors in your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation.

For more selective colleges, a 90th percentile ACT score may be considered average or slightly below, as these schools often admit students with even higher test scores. It is essential to research the average entrance scores for the specific colleges you are interested in attending to see where your ACT score falls in comparison. Some college websites provide the middle 50% scores of admitted students, which can give you an idea of the score range for that school.

While your ACT score is an important piece of your college application, keep in mind that many schools employ a holistic admissions process, considering all aspects of your application beyond just test scores. Make sure you focus on other aspects, like a well-rounded list of extracurriculars, strong essays, and obtaining supportive recommendation letters.

Some colleges have also adopted test-optional policies, which means you can decide whether or not to submit your ACT score. If you feel that your score might not accurately represent your academic abilities, you may consider applying to test-optional schools.

Overall, a 90th percentile ACT score is a strong test score, but make sure to research the specific requirements and expectations of the colleges and universities you plan to apply to. Additionally, focus on building a robust application overall, as it is not solely reliant on your ACT score.