What is the lowest ACT score possible?

Asked by: Eldon Sawayn  |  Last update: October 5, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (40 votes)

Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high).

Has anyone ever scored a 1 on the ACT?

The absolute minimum ACT score you can get is a 1, although this is very unlikely to happen. You might be more worried about getting a score high enough to get into college.

How bad is a 15 on the ACT?

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 13 a bad ACT score?

Is a 13 ACT score or below good? A 13 ACT score is not a good sign for aspiring college students. It will prevent you from getting into the best schools in the country. Despite how well you felt you performed on the test, it's still not enough to get into the top universities.

Is a 17 on the ACT good or bad?

A 17 ACT places you in the 38th percentile. What does that mean exactly? Well, that means you scored higher than 38% of all other test takers. While that sounds like a good result, a 17 ACT and anything below is actually a fairly weak score.

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45 related questions found

Is 23 an OK 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.

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.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 35?

An ACT score of 35 is a demonstration of excellence in all academic fields at the high school level. There's no pressing reason to retake the ACT, especially with a score so close to perfect. If you're a junior, take a look at your total college application package—GPA, extracurriculars, and ACT scores.

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 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!

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.

How bad is a 25 on the ACT?

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.

Is a 25 on the ACT OK?

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.

Do you get a 36 if you get a 0 on the ACT?

From this chart, we can see that you'll likely need either a perfect or near perfect raw score to receive a 36 or 35 on each section. Based on the ACT practice tests, most sections require you to miss 0 questions to receive a score of 36.

Why is my ACT score so low?

If you never practiced for the ACT, that is probably the issue. The ACT is a very fast test. You need to know the ACT test format before taking the ACT so that the format will not slow you down. Learn about ACT scoring, the length of the ACT test, and the ACT test instructions.

What score is a 90% on the ACT?

90th Percentile: 29

This is still an extremely high score (better than 90% of students).

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 18 a good ACT score?

Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.

Is the ACT or the SAT easier?

Whether the SAT or ACT is easier depends on your comfort with each's content. The bottom line is the SAT may be easier for students who excel in math and want more time to answer questions. If you consider yourself a science buff who loves reading and handles time crunches well, the ACT may be your better option.

Do ACT scores matter anymore?

Even as many colleges temporarily extend their test-optional admissions policies another year, the ACT and SAT still can greatly affect merit-based scholarships and college admissions. Test optional really is only for those excited to pay full price.

What is a failing grade on the ACT?

Likewise, there are no failing ACT scores. There are, however, good and bad ACT scores. Currently, the average ACT score is 21, which puts the test-taker in the 50th percentile. An ACT score of 24 or higher is considered good.

Is taking the ACT 4 times bad?

Some students (and parents) are hesitant to opt for a re-test because they think that taking the ACT multiple times will detract from a student's application. But, worry not. It's a myth that college admissions counselors will punish you for taking the ACT a certain umber of times.

Is 27 a low ACT score?

Is a 27 ACT Score (85th Percentile) 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!

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.

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.