Is getting a 34 on the ACT considered good?

So, I recently took the ACT and scored 34. I'm just not sure if that's a good score. How do colleges look at a 34 ACT score? Any input would be super helpful.

A 34 on the ACT is undoubtedly an excellent score. To give you some context, a 34 puts you in the 99th percentile of all test takers, meaning you performed better than 99% of people who took the test. This score will be looked upon favorably by almost all colleges.

But to answer your question more specifically, it really depends on the colleges you're targeting because different schools have different average ACT scores for their admitted students. For example, at most Ivy League schools, the middle 50% of admitted students typically have ACT scores between approximately 33 and 35. That being said, a score of 34 would be right within or even above these ranges, making you a competitive applicant in terms of standardized test scores.

Still, remember that while a high ACT score is a significant component of your application, it's not everything. For most selective universities, academic achievements, course rigor, extracurriculars, leadership roles, community service, work experience, as well as your essays and letters of recommendation all play important parts in the college admissions process.

Don't forget also that recently many colleges have turned to test-optional policies, which means they don't require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Nevertheless, a 34 ACT score is excellent and, if the schools you’re interested in are not test-blind, it could become an asset in your application.