How far in advance should I study for ACT?
Asked by: Holden Wiegand | Last update: October 1, 2025Score: 5/5 (25 votes)
By studying for three months before your test date, taking about seven full-length practice tests, and completing at least 70 hours of untimed practice, you will have the opportunity to close your content gaps by test day.
Is 14 a good score for ACT?
Hi there! An ACT score of 14 falls in the lower range of possible scores, as the ACT has scores that range from 1 to 36. Specifically, it is in the 10th percentile, meaning that 90% of test-takers scored higher than a 14. As a result, a 14 is generally considered a low ACT score.
Is 2 weeks enough to study for ACT?
If you're only going to spend 7 hours to get a 1 point improvement, make sure you do that cramming all in the 1 or 2 weeks before you take the ACT. If you have more time to prepare, like 20 hours, spread that time over a couple of months and you're less likely to quickly forget everything.
Is getting a 20 on ACT hard?
A 20 ACT score puts you at the 49th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 49% of all test takers — which is certainly something to be proud of! To increase your competitiveness during the college application process, though, you'll want to meet or exceed the national average, which is closer to a score of 21.
Is 1 month enough to study for ACT?
Although one month of ACT prep isn't enough for everyone, it can suffice if your goal is to improve your score by no more than 4-6 total points.
When to Start Studying for the ACT® and SAT®
How far in advance should I start studying for the ACT?
How much time do I have to prepare? Many students will want to take the ACT twice to take advantage of superscoring; best case scenario, plan to study three to four months before your first test and two to three months between each subsequent test.
Can you get a 30 on the ACT without studying?
Students may choose not to prepare due to the mindset that these exams are just like any other standardized test. Very rarely, a student earns a good score on the SAT/ACT without preparation. However, it is an unlikely reality for the vast majority of high school students.
Is a 27 a good ACT score?
A 27 ACT score puts you a good deal about the national average (20.8) and makes you eligible for acceptance at a vast majority of schools. It also makes you competitive at some selective institutions, as well as eligible for merit aid!
How rare is a 29 ACT score?
What percentile is a 29 ACT score? A 29 ACT score puts you at the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 91% of all test takers.
Is an 18 a bad ACT score?
Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.
How much can you realistically raise your ACT score?
If you're at a 32, aiming for a 2-point improvement is a much more realistic goal. However, if your starting score was lower, a 4-point improvement is more attainable and can make a substantial difference in your college admissions prospects.
Is 4 times too many to take the ACT?
There is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT test. On average it takes students 2-3 times to achieve their testing goals.
How hard is it to get a 32 on the ACT?
What percentile is a 32 ACT score? A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 97% of all test takers.
How rare is a 33 on the ACT?
A 33 ACT score puts you at the 98th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 98% of test takers.
Is 1200 a good ACT score?
For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...
What is the IQ of a 29 ACT score?
The ACT is not an IQ test (at least not now). Prior to Sept 1989, an ACT test score of 29 was enough to be accepted into Mensa. This means the score indicated an IQ in the top 2% or roughly an IQ of about 130.
Is 17 a bad ACT score?
A 17 on the ACT falls in the lower range of scores, specifically in the 30th percentile nationally. While this score may not be competitive at more selective colleges, there are still many colleges and universities that accept students with a score in this range.
What is a perfect ACT score in 2024?
What is a Perfect ACT Score? A perfect ACT score is 36. This is the highest possible score a student can achieve on the test. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with each section receiving a score between 1 and 36, and then a composite score is calculated by averaging the scores from the four required sections.
Is a 29 ACT good enough for Ivy League?
Ivy League colleges typically seek students who score in the top 1% nationally in ACT test scores. For context, the average ACT score nationwide is around 20.8. For Ivy Leagues, however, successful applicants often receive ACT test scores between 34 and 36 out of 36, placing them well above this national average.
Is the ACT or SAT harder?
15. Level of Difficulty: Is the ACT Test Harder Than the SAT Test? In general, the tests are too similar to determine whether one test is harder than the other.
Can I get into Yale with a 27 ACT?
Average ACT: 34
The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. In other words, a 33 places you below average, while a 35 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Yale, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.
Is 1280 a good SAT score?
A 1280 SAT score is a solid score and can make you a competitive applicant at a variety of schools. While it may be below the average for highly selective colleges, there are many good schools where you would be a strong candidate.
Can a 30 ACT get into Harvard?
In the last year that Harvard required testing, the range (10th percentile to 90th percentile) of SAT scores for enrolling students was 670 to 790 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 680 to 800 for Math. The range (10th percentile to 90th percentile) of ACT Composite scores was 31 to 36.
Does ACT prep really help?
First, while test preparation may not lead to large score increases, it can be helpful. Students who are familiar with the assessment, have taken practice tests, understand the instructions and have engaged in thoughtful review and preparation tend to be less anxious and more successful than those who haven't.
How hard is it to get a 1600 on the SAT?
A 1600 is only achieved by around 300 test takers per year and makes you eligible and highly competitive for admission at every college. Looking at this from another angle, a 1600 SAT score is in the 99nth percentile, which means you scored higher than 99% of all other 2 million+ test takers.