Understanding ACT Pass Scores?

Hi guys! I'm pretty new to the whole ACT thing and was wondering if anyone could explain how the passing scores work. What's considered a 'good' score? Or is it all relative to the college I'm aiming for? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely, happy to help! The ACT is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. Each section of the ACT (English, Math, Reading, Science) is also scored on this 1-36 scale, and your composite score (the one most commonly referred to) is the average of these four section scores.

In terms of what's considered a "good" score, that highly depends on the colleges you're targeting. For example, for very selective schools such as Harvard or Stanford, the middle 50% of accepted students typically have ACT scores between 33 and 35. On the other hand, colleges with a higher acceptance rate might have a middle 50% ACT range around the mid-20s.

However, note that just because you fall in the middle 50% range does not guarantee admission—you'll also need strong grades, impressive extracurriculars, and compelling essays, among other elements. Conversely, a score below a school's middle 50% range doesn't automatically rule you out as a candidate.

To gauge where you stand, you should first identify the average ACT scores for students at the specific colleges that you're interested in. A lot of universities make this information available on their admissions website.

Additionally, the national average ACT score is around 21. This can serve as a general benchmark for understanding where your score stands in relation to all test takers.

Keep in mind that ACT scores are just one piece of your college application. Other factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, and the rigor of your high school courses play significant roles in shaping your overall application. Remember, you're not simply a test score!

Finally, remember that some universities have returned to requiring standardized tests after being test-optional for a brief period (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), so make sure to check the testing policies of the schools you're interested in. Good luck!