Hey everyone, I'm stressing out a bit over preparing for the ACT... I know it depends on what college I'm applying to, but I was wondering, what would you say is a decent passing score on the ACT?
An ACT score is considered "decent" or "safe" based on a combination of national averages and the average scores of admitted students at your target schools. Nationally, the average ACT score is typically around 20-21. This certifies that you have performed better than around half of the students who took the test, which can be considered a decent score.
However, if you're aiming for more selective colleges, you'll probably need to score higher. For instance, selective institutions often have average ACT scores in the range of 30-35 for admitted students.
Remember that, while achieving a good score is beneficial, it's merely one element of your overall college application. Colleges also focus on your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Starting from 2024, important institutions like Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and many others have also moved back to require standardized test scores after being test-optional for few cycles.
It would be helpful if you research specific schools you're interested in, get a sense of their average ACT scores, and aim for that range or higher. Don't just aim for the minimum but work towards achieving the best score you can, as it can open up possibilities for merit-based scholarships, honors programs, and more at many institutions.
Best of luck with your test prep!
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