Good ACT Score for College Admissions?

Hey folks! I recently got my ACT scores, and I'm trying to figure out if it's good enough for college admissions. What number or range should I be aiming for to be considered competitive? Do different schools have varying thresholds? Any advice or information would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hello! A good ACT score for college admissions can vary depending on the schools you're targeting. However, here's a general breakdown to help:

1. Top-tier schools: Competitive applicants typically have ACT scores of 33 or above. For highly selective schools like the Ivy League institutions or other top-ranked private and public universities, falling in the 33-36 range indicates you are within the middle 50% of admitted students.

2. Mid-tier schools: For mid-tier institutions, an ACT score around 27-32 would be considered competitive. These schools would include well-regarded state universities and smaller private institutions.

3. Lower-tier schools: At lower-tier schools, a score of 21-26 is generally considered acceptable. These might include less selective state schools and smaller private colleges with higher acceptance rates.

Keep in mind that colleges use a holistic approach when evaluating applications, so while having a strong ACT score is important, it's not the sole deciding factor. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation also play a crucial role in the admissions process. Furthermore, test-optional policies have gained popularity, and some schools no longer require ACT or SAT scores for admissions.

The best way to determine whether your ACT score meets a specific college's threshold is by researching that college's middle 50% range for accepted students. This information is usually available on college websites or through resources like CollegeVine. Good luck!