What ACT score are colleges looking for?
Asked by: Dannie Zieme | Last update: August 14, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (2 votes)
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a “good” ACT score is generally considered to be above the national average, which was 19.8 as of 2022. However, keep in mind that top-tier colleges and universities tend to have higher expectations, often looking for ACT scores in the 27-32 range or higher.
What ACT score do most colleges want?
Aiming for an overall ACT score in the 75th percentile or above (around 24 or higher) is generally considered good and boosts your chances of admission into selective colleges.
Is a 17 on ACT bad?
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.
Is a 16 on the ACT good?
A 16 ACT score is considered to be in the lower percentile range for most colleges and universities. To give you a perspective, an ACT score of 16 puts you at the 28th percentile nationally, meaning that you've scored higher than 28% of all ACT takers.
Is 19 a good ACT score for a junior?
A 19 on the ACT is still a decent score, and there are certainly colleges that accept students with scores in this range. However, it might be worth considering retaking the ACT or trying the SAT if you feel you can improve your score, as it can expand your options and potentially make you eligible for scholarships.
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Is an 18 a bad ACT score?
Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.
Is a 15 on the ACT OK?
A 15 on the ACT is indeed a concern when it comes to college applications, as it falls in the 28th percentile nationally. This means that 72% of test takers scored higher than you.
Will colleges accept a 17 ACT score?
A 17 ACT score is considered to be below average, as the national average score is around 20-21. However, this doesn't mean that your college options are completely limited. There are still colleges that may admit students with lower ACT scores, but these tend to be less selective schools.
Is 14 a bad ACT score?
Scores below a 15 on the ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with a great GPA or an outstanding college application. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.
Is a 13 bad on the ACT?
A score of 13 on the ACT is indeed below average, as the national average is around 21. However, don't stress too much - it's essential to focus on improving your score moving forward.
What is a passing ACT score?
A score of 21 is the national average, which is usually sufficient for less selective colleges, but more selective universities generally look for scores of 30 and above, and the absolute most selective schools want to see a score in the 33-36 range.
What is a perfect ACT score 2024?
Getting a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT is extremely difficult but not impossible. On average, less than 1% of students achieve a perfect score each year.
Is your GPA or ACT score more important?
Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college. In fact, researchers found that GPA was five times better at making this prediction when compared to the ACT. Another study showed that grades were a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.
Is 17 a bad ACT score?
17 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1359515 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 64 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1446 schools with this score.
What ACT scores get scholarships?
While many schools are moving away from using standardized test scores, some still use the ACT as an important barometer. No matter what your ACT score is, you may be able to find scholarships that fit your score range. You can find scholarships for scores as low as 10 or for scores higher than 30.
Can I go to college with a 16 ACT score?
16 ACT Score Standings
You can apply to 38 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1472 schools with this score.
How to increase ACT score?
- Work questions out of order. ...
- Choose a “Letter of the Day.” ...
- Forget the right answer—find the wrong ones. ...
- Know the best way to bubble in. ...
- Tailor your strategy to each section of the ACT. ...
- Build the right ACT prep plan for you.
Is 17 a good pre ACT score?
So what is a good PreACT score? Because it's scored on the same scale as the ACT, we can infer that average scores will hover around 21. Anything above average will start to distinguish you from the pack. The higher you go, the more distinguished you'll be.
What is a bad ACT score?
Median ACT Scores
Unless you are aiming for non-competitive colleges (acceptance rate of 90-100%) or semi-competitive colleges (acceptance rate of 70-90%), a score below a 19 is a bad score for you.
What college accepts a 15 ACT?
There are approximately 59 colleges and universities where a 15 ACT score places you within the average among accepted students, and therefore you have the best chance of gaining acceptance into one of these schools, including Albany State University, Bloomfield College, Texas Southern University, Central State ...
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 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 ...
Is an 11 on the ACT writing good?
At the least, shoot for an 8+ overall score for a “good” ACT Writing score. A score of 10+ is an ideal score for applications to selective schools.
Is 12 a low ACT score?
A 12 on the ACT is indeed on the lower end of the scoring spectrum, as the scores range from 1 to 36. Understandably, you might be concerned about your college admissions chances.