I'm working on my college applications, but I'm not sure what ACT score I should aim for overall. What is a good ACT score that would make me competitive for most schools? I'm feeling a bit stressed about it, so any advice would be great.
A "good" ACT score can vary depending on the colleges you're targeting. Generally, you should aim for an ACT score that is at or above the average score of admitted students at the schools you're interested in.
For most schools, an ACT score of 24 or higher is considered a good score. This score typically places students in the top 25% of nationwide test-takers and can be competitive at many colleges and universities. However, if you're aiming for more selective schools, you'll want to aim even higher.
For schools ranked in the top 100 of national universities, an ACT score of 30 or higher is often considered competitive. For highly selective institutions, such as Ivy League universities or other top-tier schools, an ACT score of 33 or higher would be more advantageous.
Remember, it's essential to do your research on the specific institutions you're interested in. Investigate the average ACT scores of accepted applicants at those schools to get an idea of the score range you should target.
Lastly, while standardized test scores are an important aspect of college applications, it is essential to remember that they are just one part of the application. Colleges also consider your high school performance, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and essays. You should work towards having a strong overall application that showcases your strengths and achievements beyond test scores.
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