Impacts of a 24 ACT score on college chances?

Hey you all, I just received my ACT score and it's a 24. I'm worried about how much this will impact my chances of getting into a good college. Does anyone have experience or advice on the same?

While a 24 ACT score might not meet the average for some highly competitive colleges, it's important to remember that many colleges place equal, if not more, emphasis on other areas of your application such as GPA, rigor of coursework, essays, and extracurricular activities. Your score does fall in the national average range of 20-26 points.

Additionally, keep in mind some schools use something called the Academic Index, which includes grades and class rank, in their admissions process. Meeting the AI threshold could get your application read at least. You should compare the academic profiles of accepted students at colleges you're considering with your own profile, to see if your AI is in range.

Furthermore, many colleges have test-optional policies for the 2024-2025 application cycle, including well-regarded institutions such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (if you meet certain GPA requirements) and University of Michigan. These schools will not necessarily put a significant emphasis on standardized test scores and will focus more on your holistic profile.

Lastly, remember that your ACT score is just one test and doesn't define your intelligence or potential. If possible, you could consider studying more and retaking the test if you feel it will significantly improve your chances at your dream schools. Additionally, explore schools where your score is within or above their middle 50% range to increase your chances of admission.

Remember that each college has its own specific admission criteria, so researching to find out more about your desired colleges' average ACT scores of admitted students can be beneficial. Keep in mind that these are averages—half of the students score below these numbers and they still get in. Don't let a number define where you apply—just make sure it's a good fit for you academically, financially, and culturally.