Ohio ACT Averages — Are They Same for Statewide and Universities?

Hi fellow students, I've got a question. Is the average ACT score for students in the state of Ohio the same as the average ACT score required to get into universities in Ohio like Ohio State? Like does getting an 'average' score for Ohio mean I could comfortably get into most Ohio schools? Thanks in advance for any clarification you can give!

Hello! That's an interesting question. However, the average ACT score for students in a state typically isn't the same as the average ACT score for accepted students at universities in the same state. For example, the average ACT score in Ohio might be around 22, but for a competitive school like The Ohio State University, the middle 50% ACT scores for admitted students range from 29 to 34.

The SAT score you get on a standardized test is essentially a measure of how well you did compared to other students who took the same test. It's not necessarily an indicator of how well you'll fit or perform at a particular college. To give yourself the best shot of getting into Ohio State or similar universities, you should aim to achieve a score in the upper half of the university's range.

However, also remember that test scores are just one aspect of your application. Universities also consider your GPA, the rigor of your coursework, your extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays. So, even if your ACT score is not as high as the average for a given university, other strong aspects of your application could make up for it.

Just to be sure about admission criteria, do check individual school websites or call admissions offices directly. They can give you the most accurate information about what scores and other qualifications they're looking for in prospective students. Hope this helps!