Hi everyone! I just got my ACT results, and I scored a 20. I'm just not sure, is that considered a good score or should I retake the test? I'm aiming for some high ranking universities as well as some average ones. Any advice would be great!
Hello! It's important to check what the average ACT scores are at the colleges you are interested in to see how your score of 20 stacks up. Typically, a score of 20 falls in the 50th percentile of all test takers, which means you scored in the middle of the pack.
For more average universities or less selective universities, a 20 might be within the range of their accepted student scores. However, for highly competitive institutions, a score of 20 may fall below their typical admitted student range. For instance, many top tier universities have average ACT scores around 31-35.
Given your aspirations for both high-ranking and average universities, it might be beneficial for you to consider retaking the test, especially if you feel you're capable of improving your score with some additional preparation. When prepping for a retake, you should review the areas where you struggled, practice with ACT prep materials, and maybe even consider engaging with an ACT prep course.
And remember, while test scores are an important component of your application, they are not the only factor admission officers consider. They also take into account things like your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays. Keep working hard in these areas as well. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.