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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Minimum ACT score to pass

Hey guys! A bit stressed out here: I just took the ACT and I'm wondering what score I need to get to be considered passing? Is there a baseline score most colleges look for? Any advice would be helpful!

9 months ago

There isn't a "passing" score for the ACT, as the test is not graded with pass/fail criteria. What's considered a good score largely depends on the colleges you're interested in applying to. Each college has its own range of ACT scores they prefer to see from their applicants. Generally, a score of 16 is considered the national average, but reaching that level doesn't guarantee acceptance to a particular college.

For more selective institutions, such as those in the top 50, an ACT score of at least 30 is often seen as more competitive, while the most selective schools out there, like those in the Ivy League, generally look for scores above 33. On the other hand, less selective schools may accept students with scores closer to the national average.

Research the middle 50% of ACT scores (this range means 25% of accepted students scored lower, 25% scored higher, and 50% scored within it) for the schools you're targeting. By doing so, you can evaluate how your score stacks up against other applicants. You can typically find a school's middle 50% directly on their website, or through third parties like CollegeVine.

Keep in mind that while your ACT score is important, colleges evaluate applicants using a holistic approach, by taking into consideration other factors like GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays. So, even if you get a perfect 36, don't rely on that alone to get you in, especially at more competitive schools, while on the flip side, being below a school's typical range for accepted students doesn't mean you'll be rejected - just focus on showcasing your strengths in other areas of your application.

Finally, if you feel your ACT score is not as strong as you'd like, you can always retake the test to try for a higher score. Just remember to balance test preparation with the other aspects of your college application, as the ultimate goal is to present a well-rounded profile. Good luck!

9 months ago

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