Hello, friends. So, I'm applying to colleges in the Fall and I just got my ACT scores. What is considered a 'good' ACT score for the application cycle? And does it vary between schools?
When evaluating what a "good" ACT score is, it's important to keep in mind the averages for all test-takers as well as the averages for students who are admitted to the specific schools you're interested in.
The average ACT score for the Class of 2024 was about 21, but admission to more competitive colleges often requires scores well above this. For example, a 31 to 36 is roughly the middle 50% range for students admitted into the top 10% of universities.
It does indeed vary between schools. For highly selective schools, such as Ivy League schools or other top-ranked universities, admitted students typically have ACT scores in the top few percentiles (around 30-36) depending on the school.
For less selective colleges, a "good" ACT score could be lower, in the mid-20s or higher. You should research the typical ACT scores of admitted students for each school you're interested in to get a sense of what scores they're looking for.
Keep in mind, though, standardized test scores are just one part of your application, and schools also look heavily at your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and other factors. Lastly, remember that some schools are test-optional or even test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, so be sure to verify each school's policy.
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