Hi folks, I've just got my ACT scores and it's a 21. I'm freaking out a bit - is that a good score, average, or bad? Can someone give me some insight into this?
Your ACT score of 21 falls around the average, as the typical ACT score range is between 20 and 21 for all test-takers. However, the definition of a "good" ACT score can vary depending on your goals.
If you're aiming to get into very selective colleges, you may need a higher score. For instance, at Ivy League schools, the middle 50% of admitted students often have ACT scores between 34 and 36. However, for less selective colleges, a 21 can definitely be competitive.
Remember that your ACT score is only one piece of your application. Your grades, the rigor of your coursework, your extracurricular activities, your essays, and other factors all play significant roles in the admissions process. If you're still worried about your score, I encourage considering a test prep course or other act of self-study to see if you can boost your score on a future test.
Keep in mind as well, some universities have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit your ACT or SAT scores. Others, like the California State and UC school systems, are test-blind and won't consider these scores at all. Make sure to research the specific score policies of the colleges you're interested in applying to.
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