Hi everyone. I recently took the ACT and scored a 23. Is that a competitive score for some decent colleges or should I think about retaking it? How do most schools view a 23 on the ACT?
A 23 on the ACT is an above-average score, placing you in the 68th percentile of all test takers. This score indicates that you've outperformed two-thirds of students who took the same test. Many colleges and universities would consider a 23 to be a good score, particularly state schools and smaller, less competitive private institutions.
However, if you're aiming for highly selective colleges, you might want to consider retaking the test. For instance, the middle 50% ACT scores for Ivy League colleges generally range from 30 to 35. But do remember that standardized test scores are just one part of your application - your GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statement also hold significant weight.
It can be helpful to decide on a list of potential colleges and look up their average ACT scores to see how your score stands relative to their standards. Selective schools such as Harvard, Yale, or NYU are likely to have higher average scores than less selective schools.
Practicing more, focusing on your weaker areas, and employing new strategies could help you raise your score if you decide to retake the ACT. Just remember that each attempt takes time and energy, which you could potentially devote to other parts of your application, like strengthening your extracurricular involvement or refining your essays.
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