So, I finally got my ACT scores back and landed a 26. I'm kinda lost about what this means though. Can someone explain what percentile this puts me in? Is it a good score considering competitive college admissions?
Your ACT score of 26 puts you in the 82nd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 82% of all test takers. This is a good score, but "good" is relative and largely depends on the types of schools you're hoping to apply to.
For less selective colleges, a 26 is a great score and places you well above the average admitted student. However, for more competitive universities, you're probably going to be below the middle 50% range for admitted students.
Take for example, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is still test-optional according to 2024-2025 application cycle information, it reports a middle 50% ACT range of 30-34. Conversely, at Ohio State University, which also continues to be test-optional, the middle 50% ACT range is more forgiving for your score at 28-32.
When evaluating your test scores, you should ideally aim to fall within or above the mid 50% range of admitted students at your target schools. So, it’s a good idea to research the median ACT scores of the colleges on your list. If your score falls significantly below those medians, those colleges may be reach schools for you.
However, remember that standardized test scores are just one piece of the puzzle in college admissions, especially as more and more schools continue to provide test-optional pathways. Schools also highly value both your GPA and your course rigor, as well as extracurricular involvements, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
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