How do I know if my ACT score is good enough?

Hey there, I recently took the ACT and got my scores back. I'm just not sure if my score is considered good or not. How can I tell if it's a solid score for the colleges I'm applying to? And if I feel like it's not enough, should I consider retaking the test?

Hello! To gauge whether your ACT score is good enough for the colleges you're applying to, start by researching the average and 25th-75th percentile scores of admitted students at those institutions. This range encompassed the middle 50% of students.

This information is usually available on college websites, under their admissions statistics or profiles of admitted students. Comparing your score to these ranges will give you an idea of your competitiveness at each school.

If your score falls in or above the 75th percentile of incoming students, it is generally considered an excellent score. If it's around the average score for that school, it's still solid, though perhaps not as impressive. If your score is below the 25th percentile, you may be at a disadvantage, and it might be worth retaking the test if you believe you can improve your score.

However, keep in mind that an ACT score is just one factor in the holistic admissions process. Your grades, coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations are all important, too. If other parts of your application are strong, a slightly lower ACT score may not have a significant negative impact.

Regarding retaking the test, consider your preparedness for the exam and any extra steps you can take in your test prep. If you feel like your initial score is not reflective of your potential, or if you experienced unusual circumstances during the test, it could be a good idea to retake it. Make sure to factor in the remaining time until application deadlines and the number of attempts you've already made, as some colleges have limits. Good luck with your applications and decision-making process!