Just got my ACT score back. I wanted to understand where I stand nationally. Can anyone here tell me what the current national average ACT score is? Is there a way I can benchmark my score against it?
The ACT test has a maximum total score of 36 and the scores are averaged across all the test takers in a particular year. As of 2024, the national average ACT score was 20.1.
To benchmark your ACT score, compare your score directly with the average. If your score is higher than the average, then you are performing above the national mean. Conversely, if your score is lower, you're performing below the mean.
But remember, while it's nice to know how you stack up against the national average, the important comparison you should be making is between your score and the average score of admitted students at the colleges you're interested in. Check out the 'Schools' section on CollegeVine to delve into these specifics. What's most important is that your score is competitive for the colleges on your list.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.