Hey everyone, I'm a little confused about ACT score ranges. What's considered a good, average, and not-so-great ACT score? I want to understand where I stand and what colleges to target. Thanks in advance for the help!
Hello! I'm happy to help clarify ACT score ranges for you. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being a perfect score. Here's a general breakdown of what scores are considered good, average, and not-so-great:
1. Good ACT Score:
A good ACT score is anything above the national average of around 20-21. Generally, a score of 24 and above is considered good as it places you in the top 25% of test-takers. A score of 30 and above puts you in the top 5%, which is considered excellent.
2. Average ACT Score:
An average ACT score falls in the range of 20 to 21. This means that you're performing at the same level as the majority of test-takers in the United States.
3. Not-So-Great ACT Score:
A not-so-great ACT score would be anything below the national average, which is around 19 and lower. Keep in mind that this doesn't necessarily prevent you from being admitted to college, but it may limit your options or affect your eligibility for scholarships.
To target colleges effectively, you'll need to research the average ACT scores for admitted students at the schools you're interested in. College websites often list the middle 50% range of scores for their admitted students, which gives you a good idea of the score range that colleges consider competitive. For more selective colleges, such as those in the top 50, you might need an ACT score of 30+ to be competitive. For less selective schools, a score in the mid-20s can still be considered good.
While it's important to have a good ACT score, remember that colleges consider many factors when reviewing applications, including your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays. It's always a good idea to work on other aspects of your application as well, as these factors can help balance any potential weaknesses in your ACT score. Good luck with your college search!
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