What is the average ACT score in the US?

Asked by: Mr. Abraham Ernser  |  Last update: September 14, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (66 votes)

The average ACT score is 19.
If you've scored 20, then you've scored higher than 50% of test-takers. That's pretty good, depending on your frame of reference. A score of 24 places you at the 76th percentile—better than ¾ of test-takers!

Is a 27 good enough for ACT?

Is 27 ACT Score Good? With a score of 27, you are in the 87th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 27, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Is 21 a decent ACT score?

Is 21 a good ACT score? A 21 ACT score puts you right at the national average, making you eligible to apply to a number of schools. It offers you a slight competitive edge, but won't make you competitive for most selective schools.

Is a 19 a good ACT score?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.

Is 18 on ACT bad?

An 18 ACT places you in the 45th percentile. What does that mean exactly? Well, that means you scored higher than 45% of all other test takers. While that sounds like a good result, an 18 ACT and anything below is actually a fairly weak score.

What's a Good ACT® Score? 2021 EDITION UPDATED! Test Score Ranges! Charts! College Admission Tips!

18 related questions found

Is 25 a bad ACT score?

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. To put this accomplishment in another light, a 25 ACT score puts you at the 75th percentile — that means you scored higher than 75% of all test takers.

Is 26 a bad ACT score?

A 26 makes you eligible to apply at a majority of colleges, and competitive to apply at some competitive institutions! Understanding your score from a different angle, a 26 ACT score puts you at the 83rd percentile — meaning you scored higher than 83% of all test takers.

Is 23 a good ACT score?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges. The higher your ACT score, the more options are open to you. Read on to learn more about ACT scores.

Is 23 a decent ACT score?

Is 23 A Good Act Score? As discussed before, 1 is the lowest, and 36 is the highest ACT score. This makes 23, an above-average score. So as per your question on whether 23 is a good ACT score or not, well, it is excellent.

What ACT score is needed for Harvard?

Admissions Summary

Harvard College is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 4%. Students that get into Harvard College have an ACT score of 34–36. Regular applications are due January 1.

What is the average first time ACT score?

The average ACT score is 19.

If you've scored 20, then you've scored higher than 50% of test-takers. That's pretty good, depending on your frame of reference.

How can I improve my ACT score?

5 Simple ACT Tips & Strategies to Maximize Your Score
  1. Work questions out of order. ...
  2. Choose a “Letter of the Day.” ...
  3. Forget the right answer—find the wrong ones. ...
  4. Know the best way to bubble in. ...
  5. Tailor your strategy to each section of the ACT. ...
  6. Build the right ACT prep plan for you.

Is 25 an average ACT score?

With a score of 25, you are in the 79th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 25, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges.

Can I get into Harvard with a 27 ACT?

There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 34?

There's no need to retake the ACT with a score of 34.

What is a good ACT score for Ivy League?

Unsurprisingly, the trend is pretty consistent, and the takeaway is clear: if you want ACT scores that are competitive with the Yale average or the Harvard average, you're aiming for roughly a 34 composite.

What is a good ACT score for scholarships?

Top scholarships with upcoming deadlines

Generally speaking, a good ACT score is 24 or higher; that's because it's best to aim for an ACT composite score that's in the 75th percentile or above.

Is 20 a bad ACT score?

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.

Can I get a scholarship with a 23 ACT score?

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.

Is 24 a bad ACT score?

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! Give yourself a pat on the back and make sure the rest of your application shows you off just as well!

How many colleges accept a 23 ACT score?

23 ACT Score Standings

You can apply to 876 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 623 schools with this score.

What colleges accept ACT 23?

You can consider many schools, so make sure to flesh out your Likely, Target, and Reach institution lists. Among many others, you can include Central Michigan University, Georgia State University, and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona on your Target institutions list.

Is 28 an OK ACT score?

A 28 ACT score makes you eligible to apply at a vast majority of schools as a competitive candidate, making it a good score. It also makes you eligible for a good amount of merit aid, which is definitely good!

Can I get into an Ivy League with a 26 ACT?

Is 26 ACT Score Good? With a score of 26, you are in the 83th to 85th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 26, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the most selective colleges and the Ivy League.

Is 29 a low 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.