Should I retake the ACT if I got a 22?

I got my ACT scores back recently and ended up with a 22 overall. I'm not sure if that's considered a 'low' score. Should I retake the test, or is a 22 generally acceptable for most colleges?

Whether you should retake the ACT depends on a few factors, such as the colleges you're aiming to apply to, your other credentials that would accompany your application, and how much you believe you could potentially improve if you tested again.

A 22 composite score is slightly above the national average, so it's definitely not a low score by any means. However, for certain universities, especially more selective or competitive ones, a 22 may fall below their average accepted score. It really comes down to the specific institutions you plan to apply to. Generally, you want your ACT score to fall within the middle 50% range (also known as the 25th to 75th percentile range) of scores for admitted students at those schools.

On a somewhat related note, remember that your score is just one component of your application. Schools also look at your grades, the rigor of your coursework, your extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and essays, among other things. So, even if your ACT score is a bit lower than the average for a particular school, other aspects of your application could still make you a strong candidate.

That said, if you believe there's room for improvement and you have the time and resources to prepare for a retake, it might be worth considering! A higher score could potentially open up new opportunities or make you a more competitive candidate. But, it's important to balance this with not sacrificing too much time from your other responsibilities, such as studying for your courses or participating in meaningful extracurricular activities.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Let us know if you have any more questions.