What's considered a perfect score on the ACT?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and planning on taking the ACT soon. What would be considered a perfect score on this test? Also, what score range is typically considered competitive for top colleges? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

A perfect score on the ACT is a 36. This score indicates that you've answered all questions correctly (or have only missed a few) across all four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

As for competitive scores for top colleges, standards vary slightly depending on the institution. However, a general rule of thumb is that a score of 33 or higher is considered highly competitive, with a 34 or 35 being even more attractive to admissions officers.

Of course, your ACT score is just one part of your college application, and having a high score doesn't guarantee admission. Top colleges consider many other factors, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. It's essential to build a well-rounded application that showcases your talents, passions, and academic excellence to stand out in the admissions process.

It is also worth noting that many colleges, including top-tier ones, are currently operating under test-optional policies. However, you're smart to still be thinking about a target ACT score, as at these competitive institutions, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible. 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

Lastly, just a quick piece of advice: make sure to take several practice ACT tests before the actual exam and familiarize yourself with the test format, timing, and question types, to maximize your chances of earning a high score. Good luck with your preparation and your college journey!