Help with understanding my ACT score

Hey, I just got my ACT results back and I scored a 25. Not sure if this is good or bad. What colleges would potentially accept a 25 ACT score? Should I consider retaking the test? Any advice would be appreciated!

To understand your ACT score, you'll first need to know that the highest possible score is a 36. So, a 25 is above average as the national average ACT score is around 20-21. It's crucial to remember that while test scores are an important part of your application, they are not the only factor colleges consider.

Now, as for which colleges might accept a 25 ACT score, it depends on the rest of your application (GPA, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, etc.), but there are plenty of institutions where a 25 would fall within the typical range of accepted scores. Examples include, but certainly are not limited to, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, and University of Houston.

However, if you're aiming for more selective schools, you may want to consider retaking the ACT. While a 25 is a solid score, highly selective colleges often have average ACT scores of admitted students well into the 30s. If you choose to retake the ACT, make sure to dedicate some structured time to prepare. There are many resources available for ACT prep, ranging from online study guides to prep courses.

Also, keep in mind the trend towards test-optional admissions policies. While some schools have returned to requiring test scores (like Dartmouth College or Purdue University), there are still a number of schools keeping test-optional policies in place (Columbia University, Stanford University, NYU), which means they do not require SAT or ACT scores.

Ultimately, the decision to retake the test should align with your broader college admissions strategy, the requirements of the schools you’re interested in, and your individual strengths and circumstances. Good luck!