Average ACT Scores: What's the Benchmark?

Hey, everybody! I'm prepping for the ACT, and I'm unsure about what I should aim for. Does anyone know the average ACT scores? Would these scores be good enough for selective colleges?

Hello there! When it comes to ACT scores, it's important to consider the type of school you'll be applying to.

Firstly, the ACT score ranges from 1-36. The average ACT score is around 20.6. However, this can vary from year to year, but it usually hovers around this figure. This indicates the average score of all test-takers.

However, your question seems geared more towards selective colleges. For highly selective schools, students typically have an ACT score of 31-34. Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Princeton generally have an average ACT score range of 33-35. Other selective colleges might have average ACT scores in the upper 20s to low 30s.

To define your target ACT score, you should research the average scores at your dream schools. School's admissions websites often publish these statistics, or you can find them on sites like CollegeVine.

Remember, while your ACT score is an important facet of your application, it is not the only factor that admissions committees consider. Other parts of your application like your GPA, rigor of your courses, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and your essays all play crucial roles. Ensure you keep working on all aspects of your application. Good luck with your prep!