Hi guys! I'm just starting to prepare for the ACT, and I was wondering what the highest possible score is? And what's considered a really competitive score by top colleges? Thanks!
The highest possible ACT score is a 36. This score is attained when a student's composite score, which is the average of the four section scores (in English, Math, Reading, and Science), rounded to the nearest whole number, equals 36. Of course, a perfect 36 in all four sections would lead to a 36 composite, but you could also have a 35 in one of the sections and still earn a 36 overall.
A competitive ACT score for top colleges varies depending on the specific institution you're applying to. Generally, a score of 33 or above is considered competitive for many top colleges, but you'll want to target scores that align with the middle 50% (25th and 75th percentiles) of admitted students at your desired school. You can find this data on each college's website or through resources like CollegeVine or the College Board's Big Future.
Again, different schools have different expectations, so researching the scores of previously admitted students at your top choice schools will help you set an appropriate target score. Additionally, keep in mind that ACT scores are just one facet of a holistic application review, so a strong score should be accompanied by factors such as a challenging course load, solid GPA, and compelling extracurricular activities.
If you're looking for tips on how to achieve a perfect score on the ACT, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-36-act-score/.
It also is worth noting that many schools are currently operating under a test-optional policy. However, you're still wise to be planning carefully for your ACT, as, especially at highly selective, top-tier schools, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible. If you want to know more about test-optional policies and how to navigate them, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/
Good luck with your studying!
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