Hi folks, just got my ACT results and ended up with a 23. I'm unsure how to interpret this - is it a good score? Does it limit my college options? Would love some clarity on this. Thanks in advance.
Hi there! First of all, congratulations on getting your ACT results! A score of 23 falls more than a little above the national average, which is roughly around 20.8. It's a solid score, but what is considered a "good score" can drastically vary depending on the specific colleges you're aiming for.
To put it into perspective, a 23 on the ACT would generally make you a competitive candidate at many state schools and less selective private schools. However, if you're aiming for highly selective or elite colleges, you might consider retaking the exam to aim for a higher score. These institutions often have average ACT scores of admitted students in the upper 20s or low 30s.
The competitiveness of your score is also determined by the other elements of your application. For example, a well-written essay or a strong performance in challenging coursework can help you stand out, even if your ACT score isn't as high as some other candidates.
A key tip would be to research the average ACT score range of admitted students for the colleges you're interested in. This can give you a rough idea of whether your score is considered competitive at your top-choice schools. Keep in mind that these average scores are just a guideline, not a hard-fast rule. It's certainly possible to get accepted with a lower score.
In terms of possible next steps, if you have enough time before your college applications are due and believe you can improve your score, you might look into additional prep resources and consider retaking the ACT. If you're limited on time or resources, focus on the other elements of your application, like your essays, extracurriculars, or teacher recommendations to make them really shine. These aspects also play a significant role in your application and offer a chance for colleges to get to know you beyond your test scores.
I hope this clarifies things a bit, and best of luck with your college applications!
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