Is a 22 ACT score something to be proud of?

I recently took the ACT and received a score of 22. I'm not really sure if this is a good score or not. Can anyone give me some insight into how competitive this score is for college admissions?

A 22 on the ACT is considered an average score, as the national average is around 20-21. While it might not be considered highly competitive for more selective colleges, it's important to remember that a range of factors are considered during the college admissions process.

Your ACT score is just one piece of the puzzle, and many colleges take a holistic approach when reviewing applications. This means that factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays are also important to demonstrate your strengths as a student and individual.

That being said, a 22 may be a competitive score for less selective schools and regional colleges. If you are aiming for more selective institutions or scholarships, you may want to consider retaking the ACT and practicing to improve your score. However, before deciding to retake the test, research the colleges you're interested in to determine what their median ACT scores are for admitted students. This will give you a better idea of whether your current score is in line with their expectations.

Additionally, many colleges now have test-optional policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which allows students to apply without submitting standardized test scores. Some colleges have extended this policy beyond the pandemic, so depending on where you want to apply, your ACT score might not be a significant factor in your application.

In summary, while a 22 on the ACT is an average score, it's essential to consider other aspects of your application and the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in. If you feel that your score doesn't truly represent your academic abilities, focus on strengthening other areas of your application or consider retaking the ACT if the schools you're applying to require or strongly consider test scores.