What is the highest ACT score without writing?
Asked by: Jackie Sporer | Last update: November 22, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (33 votes)
Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high).
Can you get a 36 on the ACT without writing?
Without Writing? Taking the ACT with writing won't affect your Composite score, but it does add an English Language Arts (ELA) score to your report. Opting out means you'll miss out on this additional score.
Is an 8 on ACT writing bad?
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 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.
What are the 4 ACT tests without the essay?
The optional portion, an essay question, adds 40 minutes, making the test three hours and 35 minutes long. The four sections, in the order administered, are English (45 minutes for 75 questions), math (60 minutes for 60 questions), reading (35 minutes for 40 questions), and science (35 minutes for 40 questions).
ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (minimal studying) in 2024
Is ACT harder than 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.
Do colleges care about ACT Writing?
Some colleges do not consider the ACT Writing score at all, while the ones that do typically don't give it as much weight as the other sections. Still, if you're confident in your writing abilities, or applying to a program that emphasizes writing, taking the ACT with Writing could potentially bolster your application.
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 ...
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.
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 17 a bad ACT score?
An average score, ranging from 17-24, suggests that you are performing at an expected level. This is a solid range to be in, showcasing your competency in the subject matter. However, if you have dreams of attending highly competitive schools, aiming for a score above this range would be beneficial.
Is a 9 good on the best writing test?
But in general, students who are interested in attending competitive universities should aim for a writing test score of at least a 9, with scores of 10, 11, and 12 being increasingly beneficial. Practice is extremely helpful with timed writing exams.
Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?
Average ACT: 35
The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. 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.
Is a 36 on the ACT 100%?
What percentile is a 36 ACT score? A 36 ACT score puts you at the 100th percentile, meaning you scored higher or as high as all test takers.
Is a 9 good on ACT writing?
National Ranks for ELA and Writing Test Scores
For example, the national rank for a writing score of 9 is 97. This means that 97 percent of recent high school graduates who took the ACT writing test achieved a writing score of 9 or lower.
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.
Should I submit a 33 ACT to Yale?
Average ACT: 34
The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. Even though Yale 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.
How rare is a 1 on the ACT?
1 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 0 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1510 schools with this score.
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 16 a bad ACT score?
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. However, keep in mind that colleges look at more than just test scores when considering applications.
Is ACT easier than SAT?
Bottom Line: The Writing/English sections for both tests are highly similar. However, if you have a solid knowledge of grammar and sentence structure, you might find ACT English easier, whereas if you prefer questions about writing style and vocabulary, SAT Writing might be easier for you.
Do colleges look at GPA or ACT?
While GPA is gaining more importance in college admissions decisions, as some schools deemphasize test scores, that doesn't mean you should neglect standardized testing. While the SAT and ACT aren't the best indicator of your success in college, they generally remain an important part of the admission process.
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.