Impact of ACT score 21

I just got my ACT score and it's a 21. I know it's not the highest but I was wondering, how limiting is an ACT score of 21 for college applications? Anyone else in the same boat? What colleges are you applying to?

An ACT score of 21 is around the average nationally, which is about 20-21, so many colleges will accept students with this score. You might want to focus your college search on less selective schools or schools that practice test-optional admissions, as they will place more emphasis on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, courses taken, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays.

That being said, I want to highlight that admissions processes can be unpredictable. A lower test score doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the running at some more selective colleges. Other factors in your application, like a high GPA, rigorous coursework, strong extracurricular involvement, or an exceptional personal essay could still make you a competitive applicant.

If you have the time and resources, you might also consider studying and retaking the ACT. Many students see a score increase the second time they take the test due to increased familiarity with the test format and timing.

Regarding what colleges to consider, many state schools readily accept students with ACT scores in this range. For instance, institutions like Arizona State University, Texas State University, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas have average ACT scores that fall around the 21 mark. Also many test-optional schools like University of Southern Maine, George Mason University, or University of North Carolina at Asheville do not consider test scores at all making them great choices for your ACT score.

Before you settle on a college list, make sure to research each school's academic offerings, campus culture, financial aid policies, and anything else that's important to you in a college experience. And of course, applying to a mix of target and safety schools will provide you with a variety of options when decision time comes around.