What is an Ivy League ACT score?
Asked by: Gilbert Crona | Last update: January 17, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)
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.
What ACT score do Ivy Leagues want?
To be considered competitive for Ivy League admissions, you should aim for an ACT score in the top percentile range for these schools. Generally speaking, a score of 33 or higher will put you in a strong position, with 34-36 being the most competitive scores.
Is a 27 on the ACT 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! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.
What is a 33 ACT in the Ivy League?
ivies probably need a 34 or higher (depending on how high you are aiming for). Though 33 opens you to a lot of really good but not necessarily ivy league.
Can you get into Yale with a 30 ACT?
Yale does not have set ACT score requirements or cutoffs. There isn't a single score that applicants must achieve, because applications are reviewed within the applicant's context and background. Nevertheless, most admitted students have highly competitive scores.
What is a good ACT Score for Ivy League? | Dr. Leo Rajan Pereira
Is a 4.2 GPA good for Yale?
However, the admissions process is extraordinarily competitive, so you'll want to aim high. Most successful applicants tend to have a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher, with many in the 4.15-4.2 range.
What is the lowest ACT score at Harvard?
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.
Can I get into Cornell with a 32 ACT?
Even though Cornell likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 34 and above that a 33 will look academically weak.
What is a perfect ACT score?
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.
What ACT score is needed for full ride scholarships?
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.
Is 13 a bad ACT score?
A score of 13 on the ACT is indeed below average, as the national average is around 21.
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 a 28 bad on ACT?
Is a 28 ACT Score (88th Percentile) Good? 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.
What's the hardest Ivy League to get into?
Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the US and consistently ranks #1 hardest Ivy League to get into.
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.
What GPA do Ivy Leagues take?
What Is a Good GPA for the Ivy League? To get into most Ivy League schools, you'll need an average GPA between 3.9 and 4.0. However, if you're aiming for a top Ivy League university such as Stanford, MIT, or others, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.
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.
What is a respectable ACT score?
Commonly, students with scores in the range of 20-23 are still considered competitive at many mid-tier colleges. For more selective schools, a score in the 24-28 range will increase your chances of admission.
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 ...
Should I submit a 33 ACT to Brown?
ACT Requirements
Brown University's ACT scores for admitted students range from 33 to 35, with an average score of 34. A good ACT score will still boost your application above the competition and help get you into your dream school.
What is the hardest college to get into?
Harvard University
The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.
Can a 3.7 GPA get into Cornell?
Academic record: Students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and should have excellent analytic and communication skills. Extensive, sustained record of public and community service: Students are asked to list public and community service for both high school and college.
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.
Does Harvard prefer SAT or ACT?
Since there's no preference between the two exams, it's best to choose the one that aligns better with your strengths, prepare extensively, and consider retaking the test to improve your results.
What ACT score for Cornell?
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 Cornell, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.