Can anyone explain what kind of ACT score a college is generally looking for?

I must confess that I'm not entirely certain about what ACT score colleges usually consider 'good'. Does anyone have a clue about what kind of ACT scores colleges generally find acceptable, say for selective admissions?

When talking about ACT scores, it's important to understand that there isn't a universally accepted "good" score because the admissions criteria can vary greatly from college to college. It mostly depends on the selectivity of the school and how competitive its applicant pool is.

For instance, highly selective colleges often look for ACT scores in the top percentile. Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, for example, typically see ACT scores in the range of 32 to 36 from their admitted students, which is roughly the top 1 to 10 percentiles. Competitive state schools like the University of Michigan or UNC Chapel Hill might look for scores in the 28 to 34 range, whereas non-selective or less competitive schools might accept scores in the low 20s or even lower.

However, bear in mind that standardized test scores are just a part of the comprehensive review process. Admissions committees will assess your ACT score in the context of your entire application, which includes your GPA, class rank, course rigor, letters of recommendation, extracurricular accomplishments, leadership experiences, and other factors. Therefore, even if you have a higher ACT score, it doesn't guarantee acceptance and vice versa.

Ultimately, check the middle 50% ACT scores at your target schools. This range can give you an idea of where admitted students typically score. Aim for scores in these ranges, particularly towards the upper end as a good target.