How Does a 31 ACT Score Stand?

I recently got my ACT results and my score is 31. I'm wondering, how's that score percentile-wise? Is it good enough for competitive colleges?

A score of 31 on the ACT is quite respectable. In 2023, this score placed you in approximately the 95th percentile of all test takers, meaning that you performed better than about 95% of students.

However, when it comes to competitive schools, admissions requirements can be quite high. The middle 50% score range for students admitted to top-tier institutions often falls between 32 and 35 on the ACT. Therefore, while your score of 31 is certainly strong, it might be on the lower end for the very selective schools.

Don't forget though, standardized test scores aren't the only factor considered during college admissions. Many schools, particularly the more selective ones, adopt a holistic approach to evaluation. So, factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays also weigh heavily in the decision-making process. Therefore, even if your ACT score is slightly below the average at a competitive college, strong elements in other areas of your application could still make you a compelling candidate.