Is getting a 31 on the ACT considered good?

So, I just got my ACT score and I got a 31. Is this a good score, or should I retake the test and aim for a higher score? I'd appreciate any feedback and advice on my score's impact on college admissions.

A 31 on the ACT is indeed considered a good score. This places you in the 95th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 95% of test-takers. Your score makes you a competitive candidate for many colleges and universities, including some selective schools. However, the answer to whether you should retake the test depends on the specific colleges you're targeting and their average ACT scores.

It's essential to research the ACT score ranges of the schools you're interested in applying to. You can typically locate this information on their admissions websites as part of their "middle 50%" range of admitted students. Aiming to score within or above the middle 50% for your desired schools will place you in a more competitive position during the admissions process.

If your target schools are highly selective or have average ACT scores above 31, you might benefit from retaking the test to improve your chances. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that test scores are just one aspect of your application. Colleges also consider other factors, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Make sure you devote enough time and effort to these components as well.

That being said, if you feel that there's room for improvement in your ACT score and you have the time and resources to prepare for another test, it might be worth giving it another shot. Improving your score, even by a few points, can potentially increase your chances of securing scholarships or gaining admission to more competitive programs.

In conclusion, while a 31 is a strong ACT score, your decision to retake the exam should be based on your target schools' average scores and the strength of your overall application. As always, make sure to focus on other aspects of your application as well to present a well-rounded and strong candidacy.