What's considered a passing ACT score?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and starting to prep for the ACT. I've been seeing a lot of different numbers thrown around, but what is considered a 'passing' ACT score? Like what range should I be aiming for to get into a decent college? Thanks in advance!

A "passing" ACT score can vary depending on the colleges you're interested in and the strength of your overall application. However, a good benchmark to consider is the national average ACT score, which hovers around 20-21. An ACT score within this range would be considered average and could help you gain admission to many colleges, assuming your other application components like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays are strong.

To increase your chances of acceptance at selective or highly-ranked colleges, aiming for an ACT score of 27 or higher would be beneficial. Scores in the 30s can make you a competitive applicant for even more prestigious institutions. Keep in mind that specific colleges have varying ACT score expectations, so it's important to research the average scores for the schools you're interested in.

Remember that colleges often consider more than just your ACT score when evaluating your application, so having a strong GPA, solid extracurricular activities, and compelling essays can also contribute to your admission chances. Furthermore, some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, meaning ACT or SAT scores aren't required for consideration.

Ultimately, the range you should aim for depends on the schools you're interested in and your academic profile. Researching the average ACT scores of accepted students at your target colleges can give you a more accurate idea of the score needed to be a competitive applicant. Good luck with your ACT preparation!