I’m really stressing about this ACT. I took a practice test and didn’t do as well as I hoped. I’m aiming for a really good college, like, Ivy League or top-tier state school good. I’ve heard some people say a 2-point increase is good, and others say you need a 4-point or even a 6-point jump.
So, what is a good score increase on the ACT? And what’s considered a significant improvement? Does it depend on my starting score? I scored a 28 on the practice test. Would a 30 be "good"? Or do I need to push for a 32 or higher to really impress colleges?
Also, I’m mostly concerned about the Math and Science sections. My English and Reading are okay, but those STEM sections are killing me! Does a bigger improvement in those areas matter more?
Answer
A "good" ACT score increase depends heavily on the initial score and the target score. Improving from a 15 to a 20 is generally considered a more significant improvement than going from a 28 to a 30, even though the latter might require more targeted effort. Here’s a breakdown of how to evaluate a score increase:
Understanding ACT Scores:
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Composite Score: The ACT is scored out of 36, with whole numbers only. This is the average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science).
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Section Scores: Each section is also scored out of 36.
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National Averages: The national average composite score is around 20-21.
- College Admission: Highly selective colleges often look for scores in the 30s, while less selective schools may accept scores in the mid-20s or even lower.
General Guidelines for Score Improvement:
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1-2 Point Increase: A small improvement. While any improvement is positive, a 1-2 point increase might not significantly change college admission prospects, especially for competitive schools. However, if you are close to your target score, this may be all you need.
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3-4 Point Increase: A moderate improvement. This can be a noticeable difference, potentially opening up new college options or increasing scholarship opportunities.
- 5+ Point Increase: A significant improvement. This demonstrates considerable effort and improved understanding of the test material. It can have a substantial impact on college admissions and merit-based aid.
Factors Influencing What’s Considered a "Good" Increase:
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Initial Score:
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Low Initial Score (e.g., 15-20): A 3-5 point increase is very good and relatively achievable with dedicated study. The focus here is on mastering fundamental concepts and test-taking strategies.
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Mid-Range Initial Score (e.g., 21-26): A 2-3 point increase is a solid goal. This requires identifying specific weaknesses and targeting them through focused practice.
- High Initial Score (e.g., 27-32): A 1-2 point increase can be a major accomplishment. At this level, improvements become more challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the material and the ability to avoid careless errors. Even a single point can make a difference for highly selective colleges.
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Target Score: The "goodness" of an increase is relative to the score needed to achieve admission to the desired colleges. If a student needs a 30 to be competitive at their dream school, improving from a 25 to a 28 is helpful, but further improvement is still needed.
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Time and Effort: How much time and effort a student puts into preparing for the ACT is a factor. A large score increase is more impressive if achieved in a relatively short period of time.
- Superscoring: Some colleges allow "superscoring," which means they combine the highest section scores from multiple ACT test dates. If a student improves significantly in one section but not others, this can be beneficial even if the overall composite score doesn’t increase dramatically.
Example Scenarios:
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Scenario 1: A student starts with a composite score of 22 and wants to attend a state university that requires a 25. A 3-point increase would be a very good and worthwhile improvement, bringing them within range.
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Scenario 2: A student starts with a composite score of 28 and wants to attend an Ivy League school where the average ACT score is 33. A 2-point increase to 30 is helpful, but the student would likely need to aim for further improvement to be highly competitive.
- Scenario 3: A student struggles with the Math section, scoring a 20, but excels in other sections. They retake the ACT and focus solely on improving their math score, achieving a 25. Even if their composite score only increases by 1 point, the 5-point improvement in math could be valuable for colleges that superscore.
Strategies for Improvement:
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Diagnostic Testing: Identify strengths and weaknesses by taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
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Targeted Practice: Focus on the specific areas where improvement is needed. Use practice questions, review content, and seek help from tutors or teachers.
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Test-Taking Strategies: Learn effective strategies for managing time, eliminating answer choices, and approaching different types of questions.
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Consistent Study: Regular, focused study is more effective than cramming.
- Review and Analyze: After each practice test, carefully review the questions answered incorrectly to understand why the mistake was made and how to avoid it in the future.
