Hello, everyone! I'm soon taking the ACT and although I'm studying hard, I'm unsure about what's an acceptable or 'good' score. What is usually deemed a good ACT score when applying to colleges? Any insights will be appreciated!
When thinking about what makes a good ACT score, it largely depends on the colleges you're aiming to apply to. ACT scores range from 1 to 36. Across all students who took the ACT, the average composite score typically hovers around 20-21.
However, if you're aiming for more selective schools, the bar is a bit higher. For instance, at highly selective schools like those within the Ivy League, the middle 50% ACT scores of admitted students usually fall in the 32-36 range. Keep in mind these are not strict cutoffs - students are admitted with lower scores and some are denied with higher scores.
For less selective schools, a score above the average of 21 can be considered good. For example, at certain state schools, a composite score around the 24-28 range can be competitive.
Remember, while standardized test scores are an important component of your application, they aren't the only factor. Colleges also assess your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. However, the ACT score helps provide a snapshot of your academic readiness, so it's beneficial to aim for the best score you can achieve.
Best of luck with your studying and test taking!
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