What ACT score is typically required for college admissions?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior starting to think about college applications. I've heard that ACT scores are important, but I'm not sure what kind of score I should be aiming for. What's a good ACT score that would make me competitive for most schools?

When discussing ACT scores for college admissions, it's important to remember that different colleges have different requirements or expectations. A "good" ACT score can vary depending on the schools or programs you're interested in.

To give you a general idea, the ACT is scored out of a maximum of 36 points. The national average ACT score is around 21, but if you're aiming for more selective colleges, you'll want to aim higher. A competitive score for admissions at most colleges and universities would fall in the range of 25 to 30, while highly selective schools generally seek scores of 30 or higher. Some top-tier schools have mid-50% ranges for ACT scores around 32-35.

Keep in mind that these numbers are just approximate benchmarks, and your application isn't solely defined by your ACT score. Colleges also consider other factors such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and essays. So, while achieving a high ACT score can be helpful, remember to focus on other aspects of your application as well.

To get a clearer idea of what score you should aim for, research the average ACT scores for the specific colleges on your list. This information can often be found on school websites or through online resources like the CollegeVine platform. Tailor your goal score to the schools you're interested in, and assess your ongoing test preparation based on your target score range.