Okay, so I’m a junior in high school and I’m starting to think seriously about college. I took the ACT for the first time last month and got a composite score of 25. I know the maximum score is 36, but I’m not really sure what a good score actually is.
Specifically, I’m interested in applying to schools like the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and maybe some other schools in the Big Ten or the Ivy League. Are these schools even in reach with a 25? What kind of score should I be aiming for to be competitive at those kinds of universities?
Also, is it better to have a slightly lower overall score but excel in one particular area, like scoring a 35 in English but a lower score in Math, or is it better to have more balanced scores across all the sections?
Finally, how much weight do colleges actually put on the ACT score compared to, say, GPA or extracurricular activities? I have a pretty good GPA (around a 3.8 unweighted) and I’m involved in a couple of clubs.
Basically, I’m trying to figure out if I should retake the ACT and put in more study time, or if I should focus my efforts on other parts of my application. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answer
A "good" ACT score for college admissions is highly relative and depends on several factors, primarily the selectivity of the colleges you’re targeting. There isn’t a universal score that guarantees acceptance everywhere, but we can break it down by score ranges and college selectivity.
Understanding ACT Scores
- Scoring: The ACT is scored out of 36. The composite score is the average of four section scores: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
- National Averages: The national average ACT composite score is typically around 20-21.
- Percentiles: Percentiles indicate how you performed compared to other test-takers. For example, scoring in the 90th percentile means you scored better than 90% of students who took the ACT.
General Score Ranges and College Admission Prospects
Keep in mind that college admissions are holistic, and scores are just one factor alongside GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
- Below 18: This score range is generally below average. It may limit your options to less selective colleges, community colleges, or institutions with open admissions policies. Consider retaking the ACT after further preparation.
- 18-23: This range is considered average. It can be sufficient for admission to many state universities and less competitive four-year colleges. Acceptance will also depend heavily on your GPA and other application components.
- 24-29: This is a good score range. It makes you a competitive applicant at a wide range of colleges and universities, including many selective public institutions and some private schools. Many students within this range will be accepted at their target schools.
- 30-36: This is an excellent score range. It places you among the top students taking the ACT (typically in the 90th percentile or higher) and significantly increases your chances of admission to highly selective colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools and other elite institutions. A score in this range can also qualify you for merit-based scholarships.
Targeting Specific Colleges
The most accurate way to determine what constitutes a "good" ACT score for you is to research the specific colleges you’re interested in. Look for the following information:
- Middle 50% ACT Score Range: Colleges often publish the ACT score range for the middle 50% of their admitted students (the 25th to 75th percentile). This gives you a good idea of the scores of students who are typically admitted. Aim for a score within or above this range.
- Average ACT Score of Admitted Students: Some colleges report the average ACT score of their admitted students. This can also be a helpful benchmark.
- College Websites: Check the admissions section of each college’s website for information about required tests and accepted score ranges.
- College Search Tools: Use online college search tools (e.g., College Board, Niche) to find colleges that match your academic profile and interests. These tools often provide data on ACT scores and admission rates.
Examples of ACT Scores and College Selectivity
- Highly Selective Colleges (e.g., Ivy League, Stanford, MIT): Admitted students typically have ACT scores in the 33-36 range. However, even with a perfect score, admission is not guaranteed.
- Selective Public Universities (e.g., University of Michigan, UCLA, University of Virginia): Admitted students often have ACT scores in the 28-34 range.
- Less Selective State Universities: ACT scores in the 22-28 range may be competitive, but it varies greatly from state to state and school to school.
Important Considerations
- Superscoring: Some colleges superscore the ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a new composite score. If the colleges you’re applying to superscore, you may want to take the ACT more than once to try to improve your individual section scores.
- Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted test-optional admissions policies, especially since 2020. This means that submitting ACT scores is not required for admission. However, if your scores are strong (at or above the college’s average), submitting them can still strengthen your application. If your scores are below average, you may choose not to submit them.
- Holistic Review: Colleges that use a holistic review process consider a wide range of factors beyond test scores and GPA. These factors include your essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated leadership skills. A strong application in these areas can sometimes compensate for lower test scores.
In Summary
A "good" ACT score depends on your college goals. Research the score ranges for the colleges you’re interested in and aim for a score that makes you a competitive applicant. Remember that the ACT is just one part of your application, and a strong overall profile is essential for college admissions.
