What Can I Do With a 19 on the ACT?

Hi everyone, I recently took the ACT and got a score of 19. I know it's not the highest score, but I'm curious about my options moving forward. How might it affect my college applications, and are there colleges that accept this score? Should I consider retaking the test, or can I focus on other areas of my application to make up for it? Any advice or personal stories would be really helpful right now.

A score of 19 on the ACT is a respectable score, placing you in the 44th percentile nationally. You can certainly apply to a number of colleges and universities with this score, especially those that practice holistic admissions or have more flexible testing requirements. Having said that, retaking the test can potentially improve your chances at more selective institutions.

If you're satisfied with your score, another strategic path would be to focus on other aspects of your application. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays can add significant weight to your application and can often be more influential than test scores. For instance, taking on a leadership role in a club or improving your GPA could help showcase your commitment and dedication. When you're crafting your personal essays, remember to showcase your distinct background, personal growth and experiences.

Alternatively, more and more institutions are adopting test-optional policies, alleviating the pressure to submit standardized test scores.

On the other hand, if you're aiming for highly selective schools, retaking the ACT might be a route to consider. A good starting point in preparing for the ACT would be identifying your weak points from the previous test and working specifically on those areas.

Remember each college is different: it's always a good idea to research specific admission requirements and average ACT scores at the schools you're interested in. While a 19 ACT score might be below the average of selective schools, it might be above average at other institutions.

One important note, particularly if you plan to retake the test: the ACT organization offers fee waivers for eligible students, which can cover the cost of two ACT tests - just check with your high school counselor to see if you are eligible. And remember, many colleges look for a prospective student's passion, dedication and fit for their school beyond just numbers. Thus, balancing your efforts between improving your ACT score and polishing other components of your application would most likely serve you well.