Is an 18 on the ACT considered a good score?

Hi all, I recently took the ACT and got an 18. I'm not sure if this is a good score or not, and I'm feeling a little stressed about how it will affect my college applications. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences on whether an 18 on the ACT is considered a good score?

An 18 on the ACT is considered to be below the national average, which is around a 20-21. While you may feel discouraged, it's important to remember that your ACT score is only one part of your college application. College admissions officers consider various factors such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays in addition to your standardized test scores.

However, if you're aiming for more competitive schools or want to improve your chances of receiving scholarships, you may want to consider retaking the ACT to achieve a higher score. A good target would be a score of at least 24 or higher, as it usually falls within the range for many colleges.

To improve your ACT score, you can take advantage of resources such as test prep books, online practice tests, tutoring, and ACT prep courses. Make sure to review the areas where you struggled and focus on improving those specific skills.

It's important to keep in mind that some schools are test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. So, if you feel that your ACT score doesn't fully showcase your academic abilities, you might want to look into applying to test-optional institutions. You can read more about these policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

Regardless of your test scores, remember that colleges are interested in students who demonstrate a strong academic background, involvement in their community, and potential for growth. So, your 18 doesn't define you. Good luck!