What's a good ACT score for a junior?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior right now and I've been prepping for the ACT. What would be considered a good score for a high school junior? I want to make sure I'm aiming high enough.

Hello! A "good" ACT score can vary depending on your personal goals and the colleges you're interested in. However, I can provide you with some general guidelines for what might be considered a solid ACT score for a high school junior.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. The national average ACT score is currently around 20, so if you score higher than that, you are already above average.

For more competitive colleges and universities, you'll likely want to aim for a score in the upper 20s or low 30s. For example, a score of 31 or higher would place you in the top 5% of all test-takers. This could be a suitable target for many selective schools.

If you're aiming for highly selective or Ivy League schools, you should aim for a score of at least 33 or higher. This would place you in the top 1-2% of all test-takers and demonstrate strong academic capabilities.

Keep in mind that test scores are just one part of your college application, and different schools have different requirements and expectations. It's essential to research the schools you're interested in and familiarize yourself with their average admitted student's ACT scores.

Lastly, remember that you can take the ACT several times, and many students see significant score improvements between their junior and senior years. So, even if your junior-year score isn't as high as you'd like, you still have time to study, practice, and retake the test if needed. Good luck with your preparations!