Considering an ACT score of 24, how does it affect my chances?

I took the ACT and scored a 24. Should I retake it to improve my chances, or is this score generally fine for most colleges? I'm not aiming for Ivies or anything.

A 24 on the ACT is a solid score, placing you in the 74th percentile nationally. It's definitely important to consider the specific colleges you're interested in applying to, as the competitiveness of the applicant pool and the average ACT scores at each institution will impact your chances of admission.

Since you mentioned that you're not aiming for Ivies, it's likely that a 24 will be acceptable for the colleges you're most interested in. However, it's still a good idea to research the average ACT scores at the schools you're interested in to ensure your score aligns with their expectations. You can typically find this information on the school's admissions website, or by simply searching for "[college name] average ACT score."

If you find that your ACT score is lower than the average at some of the schools on your list, you may want to consider retaking the test to potentially improve your chances. However, many schools have gone test-optional in recent years, so a retake may not be necessary. For guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

Whether or not you submit your ACT score, you could also focus on other aspects of your application, such as your personal statement, recommendation letters, and extracurricular involvement. These other elements of your application are key for giving admissions officers a comprehensive understanding of what you'd bring to their school, beyond academics.

Ultimately, it's up to you to determine if you believe retaking the ACT is worth the effort, given your target schools and the likelihood that you can achieve a higher score, since bringing up your score significantly can be quite challenging. Good luck with your college applications!