What scores do I need on the ACT to be competitive?

I'm taking the ACT soon, and I was wondering what scores I should be aiming for to be competitive for college admissions. Are there specific benchmarks for certain schools or does it vary? Any advice would be appreciated!

Aiming for a competitive ACT score really depends on the colleges you're interested in applying to. Different schools have different expectations when it comes to standardized test scores. In general, the more selective a college, the higher an ACT score you'll need to be competitive for admissions.

To get an idea of the range you should be aiming for, you can start by researching the ACT middle 50% scores for the colleges on your list. This information can typically be found on the college's admissions website or through online resources like CollegeVine's chancing engine. The middle 50% reflects the range in which half of the admitted students' scores fall. For example, if a college lists its middle 50% ACT scores as 29-34, this means half of the accepted students scored between a 29 and a 34. To be competitive, you'd ideally want to be in or above this range.

Keep in mind that while a competitive ACT score is certainly helpful, it's not the only factor in the admissions process. Colleges also look at your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and other aspects of your application when making their decisions. Moreover, some colleges are test-optional or test-flexible, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit test scores, or to submit alternative elements like AP scores, IB scores, or subject test scores.

To sum up, aim for an ACT score that's in or above the middle 50% range for the colleges you're considering. However, remember that admissions processes are holistic; a strong ACT score alone won't guarantee admission, and a lower score can be offset by other strong elements in your application. Good luck on your upcoming test!