What Is a Good ACT Score? High & Average ACT Scores
A good ACT score typically falls between 22 and 30, depending on the college or scholarship requirements. A score of 30 or above is considered excellent.
The ACT (American College Testing) is one of the most widely recognized standardized tests for college admissions in the United States.
It's designed to assess a student's academic readiness for college and consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Those scores are averaged together to give a composite score.
One of the most common questions for students preparing to take the test is: What ACT score do I need? A good ACT score depends on your college and scholarship goals. For highly selective schools, you'll need a score in the range of 32 to 36, while mid-tier universities and state schools may accept scores between 22 and 30.
If you're aiming for merit-based scholarships, a score of 28 or higher can increase your chances. Overall, a good ACT score will be higher than a 20, which is the national average.
Understanding ACT Scores
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each section, and the composite score is the average of those four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The national average composite score tends to hover around 19 to 20.
However, the definition of a ''good'' score can vary depending on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to attend an Ivy League school, or are you hoping for admission to a regional university? The range of acceptable scores can differ greatly.
Average ACT Scores by Percentile
Understanding the percentiles associated with ACT scores can give you a clearer picture of where your score places you in comparison to other test-takers.
- 50th percentile (national average): A composite score of around 20 places you in the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 50% of test-takers.
- 75th percentile (above average): A composite score of 23 places you in the top 25% of test-takers.
- 90th percentile (excellent): A score of 27 to 28 puts you in the top 10% of all test-takers.
- 99th percentile (elite): A score of 34 or higher puts you among the top 1% of test-takers, which is considered exceptional.
What Is a Good ACT Score for College Admissions?
The definition of a good ACT score changes when considering specific college admissions requirements. Colleges and universities have different expectations, and many provide data on the range of ACT scores for admitted students.
Selective Colleges
For highly selective schools like Harvard, Princeton, or Stanford, you will need an ACT score in the range of 32 to 36 to be admitted. These institutions have low acceptance rates, and high test scores are essential to stand out among the thousands of applicants.
For example, Harvard University's average ACT score for accepted applicants is between 33 and 36. Most students score a 35, putting them in the 99th percentile of everyone who takes the ACT.
Mid-Tier Universities
Many well-respected universities that are not as selective as the Ivy League but still competitive generally accept students with ACT scores ranging from 25 to 30. Schools like the University of Michigan or the University of Florida fall into this category.
The University of Florida's middle range is typically between 28 and 32. A score within this range puts you in a competitive position for admission.
Regional and State Universities
Less selective schools, including many public state universities, tend to have more flexible ACT score requirements. A composite score between 20 and 24 is often considered sufficient for these institutions.
The University of Alabama's average is between 21 and 29. A score in the lower to mid-20s would still make you a competitive applicant.
What Is a Good ACT Score for Scholarships?
ACT scores are not only crucial for college admissions but also for securing scholarships. Many merit-based scholarships take ACT scores into account when determining eligibility.
National Merit Scholarships
Some scholarships, like the National Merit Scholarship, require exceptionally high ACT scores. To qualify for such awards, a score in the 99th percentile (34 or higher) is often necessary.
State and University-Specific Scholarships
Many public universities offer scholarships based on ACT scores. These awards usually require scores between 28 and 32 to qualify for merit-based financial aid. Some universities have automatic scholarships for students who meet specific ACT score thresholds, which can be a great way to offset tuition costs.
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships may have more flexible ACT requirements, with some accepting scores in the mid-20s. These scholarships typically look at a combination of academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essays in addition to ACT scores.
How To Improve Your ACT Score
If your current ACT score isn't where you'd like it to be, you can use free ACT prep resources. We also explain some strategies below to help you improve your score.
- Practice tests: Taking regular practice tests helps you become familiar with the test format and timing. It can also highlight areas where you need improvement.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weakest subjects and dedicate extra study time to those areas. Improving just one section can significantly raise your composite score.
- Time management: Work on managing your time during the test, ensuring you can answer as many questions as possible within the allotted time.
- Consider a prep course: Enrolling in an ACT prep course can provide structured guidance and access to valuable test-taking strategies.
Learn More About Your ACT Score
Click your ACT score below to find out how good your score is and the best colleges that accept your ACT score.