What's considered a good ACT score?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and just started looking into college admissions. Can someone tell me what would be considered a good ACT score? I want to have a better idea of where I should aim to be competitive for my college applications.

Hey! It's essential to understand that a "good" ACT score can vary depending on the colleges you plan to apply to and your individual goals. Most colleges publish the 25th and 75th percentile ACT scores of their admitted students on their websites, so researching the schools you're interested in can give you a good sense of what a competitive score might be for you.

In general, the ACT is scored out of 36 points. A score of 21 is the national average, and anything above that is considered above average. However, if you're aiming for more selective schools, you'd want to achieve a higher score.

Here's a rough breakdown to help you understand ACT score percentiles:

- 30-36: Highly competitive for most colleges, including selective ones

- 24-29: Competitive for most colleges, including some selective ones

- 18-23: Average or below average for selective colleges but may be competitive for less selective schools

- Below 18: Considered low for most colleges

To be a strong candidate for selective schools, you'd typically want to have an ACT score in the 30-36 range. Keep in mind that the admission process is holistic, and test scores are only one part of a comprehensive application. Achieving a high ACT score is undoubtedly helpful, but it's essential to balance that with strong grades, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Best of luck with your test prep and college applications!