How do ACT scores factor into college admissions?

I've been researching a lot about ACT scores and their importance for college applications. How much weight do colleges put on ACT scores when considering an applicant? Also, what's a good ACT score for a competitive college?

ACT scores are one component of a college application that many institutions consider when evaluating applicants. The importance of an ACT score can vary depending on the institution, as some may place more emphasis on other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. However, it is generally true that a higher ACT score can benefit your chances of admission at selective colleges.

A good ACT score for a competitive college varies depending on the specific institution you're applying to. To get a better idea of what constitutes a strong ACT score, you can research a college's middle 50% ACT score range, which indicates the score range where most admitted students fall. A score within or above that range could be considered a good score for that college. For example, many highly selective colleges have middle 50% ACT ranges from around 32 to 35.

It's important to keep in mind that while a competitive ACT score can increase your chances of admission, it doesn't guarantee acceptance, as colleges typically use a holistic review process to consider all aspects of an applicant's profile. Conversely, a lower-than-average ACT score doesn't automatically disqualify you from being admitted, particularly if you have other strong elements in your application, like, exceptional extracurricular activities, strong grades, or impressive essays. If you're unsure of what score you should aim for, it's always a safe bet to aim for the highest score your abilities allow.

Lastly, note that some schools may still be test-optional due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while others, like the University of California and California State systems, have gone test-blind, meaning they no longer consider ACT or SAT scores in their admissions decisions. Be sure to check the specific testing policies of the schools you're interested in.