Is a 27 on the ACT good for a high school junior?

Hello! I'm a junior and I just got my ACT results back with a score of 27. Is this considered a good score for someone in my grade? Will it be competitive for most colleges?

A 27 on the ACT is a solid score for a high school junior, placing you in the 85th percentile nationally among all test-takers. However, whether or not it is "good" depends on the types of colleges you're interested in and your personal goals.

For most colleges, a 27 is certainly competitive, and in many cases, it will put you above the average accepted student's score. However, if you're aiming for highly selective colleges, you might want to consider aiming for a higher score. At top-ranked universities, the middle 50% of ACT scores for admitted students tend to range from 31 to 35.

Since you're a junior, you have time to prepare and retake the ACT if you feel it's necessary. Improving your score can help increase your chances of admission and qualify for merit-based scholarships. Don't forget to also focus on other aspects of your application, such as maintaining a strong GPA, engaging in extracurricular activities, and developing a "spike" to distinguish yourself.

To get a better understanding of how your ACT score aligns with your target colleges' expectations, look up the middle 50% score range for the schools you're interested in. If your score falls within or above this range, your chances of admission will be stronger. If it falls below, consider retaking the exam or looking into test-optional schools if you feel your score won't accurately represent your academic abilities.

Overall, a 27 on the ACT is a good start, but depending on your college goals, there may be room for improvement. The decision to retake the exam depends on where you want to apply and how well-rounded your other application aspects are. Good luck with your college admissions journey!