Hey folks, I have been hearing a lot about ACT scores and was wondering what the average ACT score across the US looks like? Anyone got the statistics?
Sure, the average ACT score can fluctuate slightly from year to year, but it commonly hovers around 20 to 21. For instance, data from 2020 indicates an average composite score of 20.6 for the ACT exam. Remember, a 'perfect' score on the ACT is a 36, so 20-21 is a little above the midpoint.
You might also find it helpful to know that ACT scores are distributed on a bell curve. This means that the majority of students score relatively close to the average, with decreasing numbers of students scoring very high or low. This distribution of scores informs how competitive your ACT score is in relation to other students.
Always keep in mind that while scores do matter in college applications, they're just one aspect of your profile. Other factors include your GPA, the rigor of your coursework, your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. So, do your best on the ACT, but also make sure to focus on these other areas as well!
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