Is 26 a bad ACT score?
Asked by: Ellen Emard Sr. | Last update: October 19, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (33 votes)
If you're looking at more selective schools - say the top 50 national universities - you may find that a 26 is a bit below the middle 50% score range. In those cases, it might be beneficial to aim for a higher score to improve your chances of admission.
Is 26 an OK ACT score?
However, a 26 is significantly above the average ACT score, which is around a 20. So, for many schools, especially state universities and less-selective private colleges, a 26 is considered a strong score. Also, remember that your ACT score is just one part of your college application.
Should I retake the ACT if I got a 26?
Generally, a 26 on the ACT makes you competitive for many colleges and universities, but it may not be as competitive for highly selective institutions. To decide whether you should retake the ACT, consider your target schools, as well as your potential for improvement.
Can I get into college with a 26 ACT?
26 ACT Score Standings
You can apply to 1186 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 324 schools with this score.
Can I get into Harvard with a 26 ACT?
There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.
What to Do if You Have a Low ACT Score
Can I get into MIT with a 26 ACT?
Average ACT: 35
In other words, a 35 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at MIT, but they really want to see at least a 35 to have a chance at being considered.
Is 28 a good ACT score?
A score of 28 places you in approximately the 88th percentile of all high school students. With a 28, you're an extremely competitive candidate at a majority of schools, as well as able to consider applying to more selective institutions as well.
How many people get 26 on ACT?
A 26 ACT score puts you at the 83rd percentile, which means you scored higher than 83% of all test takers!
Can I go to college at 26?
Whether you're 25, 30, 40, or older, you can still go to college.
Is a 26 on the ACT good reddit?
The average score in the US is roughly a 21, so a 26 would generally be considered pretty good in the grand scheme of things. However it is significantly below average at many top universities.
What is a bad ACT score?
Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.
Is 27 a bad ACT score?
Is a 27 ACT Score (85th Percentile) Good? 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!
Is 25 a low ACT score?
Of the two million students that take the ACT each year, the average national score is a 20.8, sometimes simply rounded up to a 21. Earning an ACT score of 25 puts you above average, making you eligible at a wide variety of schools and competitive at some selective institutions.
Can I get into Harvard with a 25 ACT?
ACT Requirements for Harvard
ACT scores range from 33 to 35, with 35 representing the 75th percentile. Even though Harvard probably states that there is no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or lower, you will likely struggle to get in unless you have other extremely strong application materials.
Is a 26 on the pre ACT good?
For reference, a PreACT score of around 23 or higher is considered above average and typically places you in the top 25% of test-takers nationwide. If you're aiming for more selective schools, you might want to target a 30 or higher on the actual ACT.
Is 24 a decent ACT score?
A 24 composite score on the ACT is considered an average score, as it falls close to the national average of around 21. This score will likely make you competitive at many colleges and universities, especially state schools and regional institutions.
Should I retake the ACT if I got a 25?
This means that you are in the 79th percentile of all test-takers and near the commonly accepted range of most colleges. If you are aiming to get into a more selective university (particularly in the Ivy League), then retaking the test is an option you should consider.
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.
What is the lowest ACT score you can get?
For the ACT, the minimum score is 1 and the maximum, 36. For the SAT, scores range from 400-1600, with 400 being the lowest you can score and 1600 being the highest. The ACT also has an additional science section that the SAT doesn't have.
Can I get into college with a 24 ACT?
A score of 24 on the ACT certainly makes you an eligible candidate, as well as competitive! To put this another way, a 24 ACT score puts you at the 73rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 73% of all test takers — which is definitely something to be proud of!
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.
Is 29 a bad ACT score?
A 29 ACT score puts you at the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 91% of all test takers.