Average ACT score for competitive colleges?

I'm trying to figure out what would be considered a good ACT score for getting into competitive colleges. What's the average ACT score for students applying to those schools?

The average ACT score for students applying to competitive colleges can vary depending on the specific institution. Generally, a good ACT score would fall in the range of 30 to 36 to be considered competitive for most top-tier schools.

However, it's important to remember that each college will have a slightly different range of scores they consider acceptable. For example, schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT typically have average ACT scores for admitted students in the 33-35 range. On the other hand, some highly-regarded but slightly less selective schools such as USC or NYU might have average admitted ACT scores in the range of 30-34.

To get a better sense of the score you should be aiming for, research the top schools you're interested in and look at the middle 50% range for ACT scores of admitted students. This will give you an idea of the score bracket you should aim for if you want a strong chance of being considered for admission at that particular school.

Nevertheless, remember that your ACT score is only one part of your application, and colleges evaluate applicants holistically. This means that a strong GPA, challenging coursework, outstanding extracurricular activities, and compelling essays are also important. In some cases, applicants with a slightly lower ACT score may still be admitted if the rest of their application is exceptional. So, while aiming for a high ACT score is important, it's crucial not to neglect the other aspects of your application.