Is a 33 on the ACT good?

Hey all! I recently got my ACT score back, and I got a 33. Is that a solid score? What kind of schools should I be looking at with this score?

Congratulations on your 33 on the ACT! That's a strong score, as it falls within the 98th percentile of test-takers. This means you scored higher than 98% of students who took the ACT. This score makes you a competitive applicant for a wide range of colleges and universities.

With a 33, you'll have a good chance at gaining admission to many selective schools and even some highly selective schools, especially when combined with a strong GPA, extracurricular involvement, and compelling application essays. You should research schools based on factors like location, size, majors available, campus culture, and overall fit for your interests and goals, rather than solely focusing on your test score.

When considering colleges, it is important to create a balanced college list including reach, target, and safety schools. Reach schools are those with low acceptance rates and high average test scores, such as Ivy League universities or other elite institutions. Target schools are those where your test scores and GPA fall within the typical range of admitted students; these are schools where you have a reasonable chance of being accepted. Safety schools are those where your credentials are above the typical range, and you have a high likelihood of admission.

As a general guideline for a 33 ACT score:

- Reach schools: Test scores of admitted students are typically 34+ on the ACT.

- Target schools: Test scores of admitted students are usually in the 30-34 range.

- Safety schools: Test scores of admitted students are typically below 30.

Remember, college admissions is about more than just test scores. Make sure to invest time in your extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendations to present a well-rounded and compelling application. Good luck with your college search and applications!