Hey guys, I'm a junior, and I'm curious about what a good ACT score is these days. I want to make sure I have a competitive score when I apply for college. Any input would be appreciated.
A "good" ACT score can vary depending on what colleges you're interested in and your personal goals. However, here's a general breakdown to give you an idea of ACT score ranges:
- 36: Perfect score
- 34-36: Exceptional (top 1% of test-takers)
- 32-34: Outstanding (top 2-3%)
- 29-31: Very good (top 6-8%)
- 26-28: Above average (top 15-20%)
- 23-25: Average (top 40-50%)
- 20-22: Below average (bottom 40-50%)
If you're aiming for highly-selective colleges, a score of 32 or higher is generally competitive. For most state universities and liberal arts colleges, a score between 26-31 should be sufficient. You should research the average ACT scores for admitted students at your desired colleges to see where your score falls in their range.
Remember that your ACT score is just one factor in your college application. A high score can help increase your likelihood of admission, but schools also consider other aspects like your GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and essays. It's essential to focus on building a strong overall profile in addition to achieving a competitive ACT score.
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