Hello, I've got an ACT score of 20 and I'm a tad bit worried. I understand it's not high, but is it terrible? What types of colleges should I realistically consider with this kind of score?
To get a sense of how your score of 20 on the ACT stacks up, it's helpful to know the national percentiles. A score of 20 places you at about the 50th to 60th percentile (this varies by year), so you're right in the middle in comparison to all test-takers. It doesn't make you a standout, but it also doesn't completely eliminate your chances.
As for which colleges you should consider, there are many schools out there that have average ACT scores around 20. These tend to be smaller local or regional colleges and universities, but they can still offer a quality education.
You might also want to consider test-optional or test-blind schools, which don't require you to submit ACT or SAT scores for admissions. The test-optional policy can be a great way to lessen the importance of test scores in your applications, especially if you have strengths in other areas like your GPA, extracurricular involvements, or your application essays.
Before making any decisions, try researching a variety of schools to find out what their average ACT scores are and if your score fits well within their range. And remember, your ACT score is just one part of your application, and you might stand out in other ways such as through your essays, recommendation letters, or extracurriculars. College selection is about finding a good fit for you—academically, socially, and financially.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.