I'm planning to take the ACT soon and I'm curious about what score I should aim for if I want to increase my chances of earning scholarships. I've heard that a high score can really help with financial aid, but I'm not sure what qualifies as 'high' in this context. Also, do thresholds for 'good' ACT scores vary based on the type or amount of scholarship? I'd appreciate any advice or examples of scores that have helped others in a similar situation!
Most commonly, scholarships that consider ACT scores as a deciding factor usually look for scores in the higher range, as this indicates a high level of academic achievement. A good score for scholarships will generally be a composite score of 30 or above. This places you in the 90th percentile of test takers, which means you scored higher than 90% of students who took the test.
However, being in the top 10% is a guideline, not a strict cutoff. Students who score a bit lower can also earn scholarships, especially if they have strong grades and extracurriculars. Remember, many scholarships evaluate candidates holistically, which means they'll also consider your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service.
On the other hand, some scholarships do have a minimum ACT score requirement. For example, a scholarship might require a minimum score of 28. If a scholarship has a score requirement listed, it's important to meet or exceed that score.
While it’s true that higher scores generally make one more competitive for scholarships, this isn't always the case. Some scholarships don't take your ACT score into account at all. Every scholarship is unique and will have its own specific criteria.
In summary, aim for the highest score you can--ideally 30 or above--but don't stress if you fall a little short. Continue to strengthen other aspects of your application to become more competitive for scholarships. Also, remember to apply for scholarships that match your unique strengths and circumstances. Not all scholarships are merit-based, and you may qualify for need-based, community service, or special interest scholarships. Good luck with your ACT and your scholarship search!
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