Hey guys, just wondering what the average ACT score is to get admitted into a decent college? I want to make sure I'm aiming for a realistic target. Thanks!
The average ACT score for college admission really depends on what you consider a "decent college." ACT scores accepted by colleges can vary greatly depending on the institution's selectivity and other factors. To give you a general sense of the numbers, I've listed some average ACT score ranges for different tiers of colleges below:
- For highly selective colleges and universities (e.g., Ivy League schools and top-tier liberal arts colleges), accepted students typically have ACT scores in the 32-36 range.
- For selective and well-regarded public universities and private colleges (e.g., flagship state schools, strong regional colleges), the average ACT scores of admitted students are usually between 27 and 32.
- For less selective public and private institutions, the average ACT scores can range from 20 to 27.
Please note that these are generalized ranges, and each college has its own unique profile of admitted students. The best way to determine your target ACT score for a specific college is to research that particular school's average ACT scores for admitted students. Most colleges publish this information on their websites under the admissions section as part of their incoming class profile.
Keep in mind that colleges often look at many factors beyond just test scores, such as your high school GPA, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal essays, so having a strong overall application is essential.
To improve your chances of getting into your desired college, aim to score at or above the average ACT score of admitted students for that specific institution. Good luck!
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