Minimum ACT score for college admission?

Hi everyone, I'm trying to understand what kind of ACT score I should be aiming for when applying to colleges. What's usually the minimum required or recommended ACT score for most colleges? Thanks in advance!

There isn't a single minimum ACT score universally required or recommended for all colleges. Admission requirements vary depending on the level of selectivity and competitiveness of each institution.

For less selective colleges or regional universities, an ACT score of 20 or above might be sufficient. On the other hand, more competitive schools often have higher score expectations. For instance, at highly selective colleges, an ACT score in the range of 30-36 would be more typical for accepted students.

Keep in mind that many colleges practice test-optional admissions policies, which means that you can choose whether or not to submit your ACT score as a part of your application. However, if you feel that your ACT score showcases your academic strength and adds value to your application, it is recommended that you submit your score.

To determine the range of ACT scores that are most suitable for your target colleges, you should research each school's admitted-student profile on their official website or explore various college ranking websites, which often provide information about the "middle 50%" ACT scores. The middle 50% represents the range in which 50% of accepted students scored, with 25% scoring below and 25% scoring above that range. By reviewing this information, you can get a good sense of the typical ACT scores for students admitted to your desired colleges.

Remember that while standardized test scores matter, they are only one aspect of your application. Schools often consider various factors such as grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and more to evaluate your candidacy. That being said, setting a goal and aiming for a high ACT score is still a good strategy for college admissions success. Good luck!