Is a 31 ACT Score Good?

I recently received my ACT score and I scored a 31. I'm curious to know if that's considered a 'good' score. Is it worth retaking the test to try for a higher score? Or would a 31 be seen favorably by most colleges?

A score of 31 on the ACT is indeed excellent—it places you in about the 95th percentile of all test takers. This means you scored higher than 95% of other students who took the test.

However, the definition of a "good" ACT score can depend on the college you're targeting. For very selective schools (e.g., Ivy Leagues, Stanford), a score of 31 may be below their average admitted ACT score. But for many other institutions, including many state universities and liberal arts colleges, a 31 would be above their average.

To determine if you should retake the ACT, you should research your dream school's middle 50% ACT scores. You want your score to fall within that range or ideally, be higher. For instance, if your dream school is Dartmouth, which has a middle 50% ACT range of 32-35 for admitted students, retaking the ACT for a higher score could strengthen your application.

In short, while a 31 ACT score is impressive overall, it's the specific colleges you're interested in that matter most for deciding whether to retake the test. But remember, test scores are just one part of your application, and colleges evaluate candidates holistically. An impressive score is a beneficial factor, but it isn't the sole determinant.