Hey everyone, I'm a junior trying to figure out my target ACT score. What's the average composite score that colleges usually look for during the admissions process? Thanks in advance for the help!
Hey there! The average ACT composite score that colleges look for can vary greatly depending on the selectivity and academic profile of each institution. To give you a general idea, the national average ACT composite score is around a 20-21. However, this is just an overall benchmark and might not necessarily represent the target scores for the colleges you are interested in.
For less competitive schools, a score in the low- to mid-20s might be considered competitive. On the other hand, if you're aiming for top-tier institutions, they typically look for scores in the 30-36 range. It's essential to research the specific schools you are interested in and find out their middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students, which represents the 25th to 75th percentile. You can generally find this information directly on their website, or through third parties like CollegeVine.
Keep in mind that standardized test scores are just one component of your college application. Admissions officers also consider your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, among other factors.
When setting a target ACT score, focus on reaching the middle 50% range or higher for the schools on your list. However, remember that meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as the admissions process is holistic, taking into account a multitude of factors.
Finally, it's worth noting that many colleges have gone test-optional since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, you're smart to still be thinking about your ACT score, as submitting a test score can still be a good idea in many situations. For detailed 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
Good luck on your ACT preparation and college application journey!
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