Hey guys, I took the ACT and ended up with a score of 24. While I know it's not perfect, is this considered a 'good' score for colleges? And what kind of colleges generally accept this score?
A 24 ACT score is above average when compared to all test-takers across the nation. The average ACT score is usually around 20-21, so a 24 is definitely a good score in this context. However, how 'good' a score is significantly depends on the specific colleges you are interested in.
Colleges do not generally list minimum acceptable scores, but you can get an idea of the typical accepted student by checking the middle 50% ACT scores reported by the college. If your score is within or above this range, it would consider 'competitive'.
For a 24 ACT score, you might look at colleges and universities where this score is within the middle 50% range or colleges that put a higher emphasis on other aspects of the application, like your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essay. Some state universities and many private colleges will consider a 24 ACT score competitive.
Remember that standardized test scores are just one piece of your application. Your coursework and grades in high school, your extracurricular activities, and your personal essay and letters of recommendation are also very significant. It's important to focus on all these areas to make your application as strong as possible. And, of course, each university uses its own distinct process with unique priorities in its evaluations. Good luck with your college planning!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.