Hey everyone, I'm a bit stressed about my ACT score and was wondering what the average ACT score is. Just trying to understand where I stand. Thanks for any help!
Hello! The average ACT score varies each year, but it generally hovers around 20 to 21 out of the 36 possible points. It's important to note that this is just the national average, and the average score at specific schools can be higher or lower depending on their selectivity.
As you evaluate your ACT score, think about the schools you're planning to apply to and research their average ACT scores for admitted students. Many college websites provide this information, often referred to as the "middle 50%" range, which indicates the ACT score range for the middle 50% of admitted students. For example, a college might report a middle 50% range of 28-32, which means that 25% of admitted students scored below 28, 50% of admitted students scored between 28 and 32, and 25% scored above 32. This should give you a better idea of where your score stands in relation to the applicant pool for the schools you're interested in.
Keep in mind that while standardized test scores are a factor in the admissions process, they are not the only factor. Colleges consider a multitude of components in your application, such as coursework, grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Having a good balance in these areas can help make up for a less-than-perfect ACT score. Good luck with your college applications!
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