What ACT score is needed for scholarships?

Asked by: Ladarius Tillman  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

Overall, my research so far has been surprising in that there are a few schools that will offer full-tuition scholarships starting in the 22 – 25 ACT range, but most full-ride scholarships require a 28 ACT or higher.

What ACT score to get a full ride?

What ACT score gives you a full ride? ACT Composite of 32–36: Many colleges and institutions provide full ride scholarships to students who have an ACT score in this range on the ACT and a grade point average of 3.5 or better on their high school transcript.

Is 27 a good ACT score for scholarships?

Yes, it is a good score. The national average is around 20-21. 27 puts you in the auto-scholarship category for most State schools and the majority of smaller private schools. Good job.

What ACT score do most colleges want?

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.

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.

SAT Score for Scholarships: Does It Matter?

44 related questions found

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.

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 a poor 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 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.

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.

How to get a full ride scholarship?

Most full tuition scholarships are awarded based on merit, focusing on strong academic achievement. But there may be other factors that play into a student's candidacy for a full-ride scholarship, as well, such as extracurriculars, demonstrated involvement in the community, and athletic performance.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 27?

A 27 on the ACT places you at or above the 85th percentile, overall, which means you scored better than most students who took the test. This score should make you competitive for many colleges - remember, though, much will depend on the rest of your application, like your GPA, coursework, extracurriculars and essays.

What is the average ACT score?

The national average ACT composite score was 19.4. 51% of test takers met the English benchmark of 18, 29% met the math benchmark of 22, 40% met the reading benchmark of 22, and 30% met the science benchmark of 23.

What is an impressive ACT score?

For the top 25 US colleges and universities, you'll have a good ACT score if it's at least 32 or higher. For Ivy League schools, a good ACT score is between 32 or 33; but you'll be better off aiming for an ACT score of 34 or higher in such a competitive admissions landscape.

Did Will Smith get a 1600 on the SAT?

Will Smith SAT score was a perfect 1600. A rare score few people have earned. Despite this incredible score, Will chose not to attend college, did not even enroll, and decided to pursue his career in music.

What school gives the most scholarship money?

Most Generous Colleges and Universities for Financial Aid
  1. Yale University. Average Grant or Scholarship Aid: $63,520. ...
  2. Dartmouth College. Average Grant or Scholarship Aid: $62,290. ...
  3. Harvard University. ...
  4. Northwestern University. ...
  5. Colby College. ...
  6. Wellesley College. ...
  7. Columbia University. ...
  8. Stanford University.

What ACT score do most colleges accept?

Less selective institutions tend to accept scores closer to the national average (21), whereas more competitive universities often prefer scores in the 32-36 range.

What if you have a low ACT score but high GPA?

A lower SAT or ACT score doesn't necessarily exclude you from admission, especially if you have other strengths like a high GPA, extracurricular activities, or compelling personal essays. Don't lose heart and keep working towards your goal.

Is a 880 a good SAT score?

An 880 SAT score is below the national average, which hovers around 1050, and will likely not be competitive for many colleges and universities.

How bad is a 15 on the ACT?

15 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1589292 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 17 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1493 schools with this score.

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.

What is the lowest ACT score Harvard has accepted?

While Harvard doesn't have a specific minimum ACT score for admission, the middle 50% of accepted students typically have scores between 33 and 35. This means that 25% of admitted students may have scores below this range, and 25% above this range.

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Is 16 a passing ACT score?

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.