Act Score - Is an 18 considered decent?

Hey, I'm looking for insights. Recently got my ACT score back and it's an 18. I'm not sure how good or bad this is... Could this score limit my college options, or is it fine? Appreciate the help!

Your ACT score's competitiveness greatly depends on the schools you're planning to apply to. An 18 is below the national average, which is approximately 21. Consequently, this score might make admission to certain selective colleges challenging.

However, there are colleges and universities where an 18 could potentially be around the average for admitted students. For example, some regional or state universities may have median ACT scores that fall around that range. Also, remember, some schools are test-optional, which means they don't require standardized test scores for admission consideration.

Additionally, other aspects of your application, like your GPA, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation, can play a significant role in your chances of admission. Different schools weigh these factors differently, so don't automatically assume your ACT score will significantly limit your college options.

That said, if you're aiming for schools with higher average ACT scores, you might consider retaking the exam and utilizing prep resources to improve your score. Such resources include exam prep books, online resources, and study groups. Also, well-planned and sustained studying strategies usually help a lot.

Here's a tip: using an online admissions calculator, like the one provided by CollegeVine, can give you an idea of how your ACT score measures up for your top-choice schools and what role other elements of your application will play.