I'm applying to colleges in Iowa, and I'm wondering what kind of ACT scores I should aim for. Does anyone know the average ACT scores for colleges in Iowa? Are there specific schools that have higher requirements?
When applying to colleges in Iowa, the ACT scores you should aim for will depend on the specific schools you're targeting. Here's a breakdown of average ACT scores for some popular colleges in Iowa:
1. University of Iowa (UIowa): The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is around 22-28.
2. Iowa State University (ISU): The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is approximately 21-28.
3. University of Northern Iowa (UNI): The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is roughly 20-26.
4. Drake University: The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is around 25-30.
5. Grinnell College: The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is approximately 31-34.
As you can see, the requirements vary depending on the college you're applying to. Grinnell College, for example, is a highly selective liberal arts college with higher ACT requirements. On the other hand, schools like University of Northern Iowa have lower requirements, making them more accessible.
Remember that these score ranges represent the middle 50% of students admitted to these schools, which means that 25% of admitted students have scores below these ranges, and 25% of admitted students have scores above them. To be competitive within this range, you should aim for the higher end, but a lower score can sometimes be compensated for with strengths in other areas of your application.
While these numbers provide a general idea of what to aim for, keep in mind that college admissions are not solely dependent on test scores. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation will also play a significant role in your admission chances. It's essential to focus on building a well-rounded profile that showcases your strengths and fit for the specific schools you're applying to through each component, not just your ACT score.
Finally, keep in mind that many colleges, including those in Iowa, are currently operating under test-optional policies, so submitting an ACT (or SAT) score may actually not be required. However, you're smart to still be thinking about targets, as there can be many instances where including a test score with your application can still be a good idea. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/
Good luck with your college applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.