ACT Scores: What's considered good?

As I'm starting to prep for my ACT, I've been trying to figure out good score ranges. If anyone has any knowledge on the matter, I'd be grateful. What is generally considered a good score on the ACT? How high should I aim if I want to increase my chances at selective colleges?

ACT scores are reported on a scale from 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. Generally speaking, any score in the top 25% of all test takers is considered good. This would mean scoring a 24 or above.

However, this varies depending on the selectivity of the colleges you're interested in. The more selective the school, the higher you should aim. For example, top-tier, highly selective schools often have median ACT scores in the low to mid-30s.

Here's a rough breakdown:

- Anyone scoring 34-36 is in the 99th percentile—that is, they've scored higher than 99% of test-takers. This range is exceptional and can be considered highly competitive for any school.

- A score in the 30-33 range represents the 95th to 98th percentile, and is generally considered excellent. This should be competitive for selective schools.

- Once you get down to a score of 25, that's about the national average. It's still a respectable score and will be considered fair for many schools.

Remember, though, that test scores are only one factor that colleges consider when evaluating your application. Schools will also be looking at your high school GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and application essays. It's crucial to align your ambition for a high ACT score with the other parts of your application, ensuring you put effort into all aspects.

Try to aim for the highest score possible while managing to keep up with other areas of your academic and extracurricular life. Good luck!