What's the deal with National ACT averages?

Alright, I am studying for the ACT and my goal has always been to score higher than the national average. But like, how relevant is this even? I mean, what is the national ACT average score, and should I really be basing my goals on it?

The national ACT average score, as off the most recent reports, hovers around 20.7 out of a maximum of 36. But relying solely on this average won't tell you the complete story for a few reasons.

First, this average includes scores from a wide variety of students - those from high-performing schools, under-resourced schools, students who've prepped extensively, students who took the test on a whim, and so on. It doesn't directly reflect the competition if you're aiming for college admissions, especially if you have a particular subset of schools in mind.

Second, your target score should ideally depend on the specific colleges you're interested in attending. For example, the average ACT score at highly selective colleges often falls in the 30-35 range. So, even though a 26 is significantly above the national average, it may still fall short for certain universities that you are aiming for.

But don't let these figures discourage you, remember that a low test score isn’t the be all and end all. Schools also look at your GPA, your course rigor, your essays, your extracurriculars, and your letters of recommendation. It's always helpful to balance your ACT preparation with other areas of your application.

That's not to say that aiming to beat the national average isn't a solid first goal. It can really motivate your study, but once you reach that, continue to push and aim for the score that your dream colleges expect. Best of luck with your preparation!