Hey everyone, I just started looking into colleges and their admission requirements. I'm wondering what an average ACT score would look like for a competitive applicant. I understand it varies by school, but I'd like to get a general idea to help set some goals for myself. Thanks!
Hey there! You're right that the average ACT score for college admissions varies depending on the competitiveness of the school. However, I can give you a general overview of what a competitive applicant might aim for when taking the ACT.
For most colleges:
- 20-25: Fairly average ACT scores which are accepted at many colleges and universities. This range is around the 50th percentile of all test-takers.
- 26-30: Above average to good scores. Students in this range are competitive for many schools, including some selective ones.
- 31-36: Excellent ACT scores. These are well within the range needed for top colleges and universities.
You'll want to aim for the higher end of these ranges if you're interested in applying to selective or top-tier schools. However, keep in mind that having a high ACT score, while important, is just one part of a college application. Admissions officers also take into account your GPA, rigor of coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and more.
To determine a specific ACT goal score, research the average ACT scores for admitted students at the colleges you're interested in. College websites often provide this information, or look for resources like CollegeVine, which offer profiles of various schools and their median ACT scores.
Remember, your ACT score is just one factor in the admissions process, so it's crucial to work on all aspects of your application to be a competitive candidate. Good luck!
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