Hi all! I'm just starting to prepare for the ACT and I'm not entirely sure what a 'good' score would be. Can anyone give me some advice on what scores I should aim for to have a competitive application?
A "good" ACT score is subjective and depends on the specific colleges or universities you are targeting. However, generally speaking, a score above the national average would be considered decent. The national average for the ACT is around a 20-21. For more competitive schools, including top-tier universities, you would ideally want to score in the higher end of the scale, around 30 or above.
To be more specific, you can determine your target ACT score based on the middle 50% score range for your desired schools. You can find this information on the colleges' admissions websites. For example, if a college's middle 50% ACT score range is 28-32, you should aim for at least a 32 to be competitive, as this would put you in the top 25% of applicants.
Additionally, it's essential to remember that while standardized test scores are an important part of your college application, they are not the only factor considered. Colleges typically use a holistic review process, taking into account your grades, coursework rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, and more. Therefore, you should ensure other aspects of your application are strong and well-rounded as well.
Best of luck with your ACT prep and college application journey!
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