What's considered a good score on ACT?

Okay guys, I just got my ACT scores back and I got a 19. Is that good enough for college admissions or should I try to improve it? Does anyone have suggestions for what a good ACT score would be for decent colleges?

A good score on the ACT ultimately depends on the colleges you're aiming to attend. The average ACT score is around 20-21, but that may not be sufficient for more competitive colleges. If you're looking to apply to decent colleges, it's generally recommended to aim for at least a 24 or higher. That being said, score requirements can differ considerably among colleges. For more selective schools, a score of 32 or higher would be considered competitive.

To get a better idea of what score you should aim for, research the ACT score ranges for the specific colleges you're interested in. These ranges are usually available on the college's admissions website, and they represent the middle 50% of accepted students' scores – meaning that 25% of admitted students scored below the range, and 25% scored above it.

If you decide to improve your ACT score, here are a few general tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions asked.

2. Identify your weak areas and focus on improving in those sections.

3. Take several timed practice tests to get used to pacing and build test-taking stamina.

4. Review your practice tests to understand your mistakes and learn from them.

5. Consider using ACT prep materials or taking a prep course, if possible.

Remember, your ACT score is just one component of your college application, and colleges consider several other factors, such as your GPA, extracurricular involvement, and essays. However, improving your ACT score could potentially strengthen your application and increase your chances of securing admission to your desired colleges. Good luck!