Average ACT scores - how do they vary by state?

Hey everyone, I'm a bit swamped trying to figure out the collegiate quagmire. I've been looking into ACT scores and noticed that averages seem to vary by state? I'm curious to understand this better - is it because of varying education standards in each state or more related to regional competitiveness? What kind of influence does it have on college admissions if any? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

You're absolutely right that average ACT scores can vary by state. There are many factors at play here, but some of the primary reasons for these discrepancies include:

- Education Quality: The quality of education and school funding can vary dramatically by state. States with better resources and higher per-student spending may see higher average scores as their students receive a more comprehensive education, have more access to ACT prep materials, and may be more encouraged to take the ACT.

- Testing Population: The number of students in a given state that take the ACT can also influence average scores. In states where the SAT is more popular, the ACT average may be artificially high because it's mostly high-achieving students who are taking it. Conversely, in states where all students are required to take the ACT, the average score might be lower because it includes scores from students who might not otherwise have taken the test.

- Big Fish, Little Pond Effect: This effect refers to the tendency for students who are successful in lower-performing schools to underestimate their abilities, which can impact their performance. If a student is in a state or school where scores are typically lower, they might not push themselves as hard.

As for the influence these state averages have on college admissions, it's important to remember that colleges largely evaluate applicants in the context of their own high school, and not in relation to the state's average ACT score. Colleges understand that students don't get to choose their own educational circumstances, so they try to assess each student fairly, considering the resources available to them. In other words, a student with an ACT score that is high relative to their state's average but low for a particular college's average still faces stiff competition from other applicants.

Consequently, while knowing your state's average ACT score might provide some useful context, it should not be a major factor in your college application strategy. Instead, focus on what's within your control: preparing for the test and submitting the best application you can.