ACT Score Ranges Explained: Setting Your Personal College Targets

Are you scratching your head over the ACT, better known as the American College Testing exam? Perhaps you're wondering what the magic number is - that coveted "good" ACT score.

A good ACT score is generally defined by percentile rankings, which show how well a student did compared to their peers. But keep in mind that it's relative - what's considered good depends on the college's admission standards and your personal goals. 

For a solid benchmark, aim for the 25th to 75th percentile ranges of your target schools to meet their specific requirements. While 36 is a perfect score, the average ACT score for high school students in the class of 2023 was 21.3 out of 36, according to the ACT organization.

However, wait to celebrate if you've hit this average score. The waters get a bit choppy when you're looking to enter selective schools that anticipate much higher scores from their applicants.

But even if you don't have the best ACT or SAT score, don't feel like you shouldn't apply. Your overall application, including extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations, holds significant value in the college admissions process.

In this article, we'll explain the elements of the ACT test, including its layout, content, and scoring mechanism. Let's get into it!

ACT vs. SAT score

When deciding between the ACT and the SAT, understanding how the scores compare can help you choose which test might play to your strengths. Both the ACT and SAT scores are used by colleges to assess your college readiness, but they have different formats and scoring systems.

Your ACT composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (lowest score) to 36 (highest score). The composite score is the average of your four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. If the decimal is less than 0.5, it's rounded down; if it's 0.5 or higher, it's rounded up.

Typically, a composite ACT score correlates to an SAT score using specific concordance tables provided by the College Board and ACT. For instance, an ACT score of 24 might be equivalent to an SAT score of around 1180.

However, many colleges and universities have test-optional policies, meaning they no longer require SAT scores for admission. This shift lets you decide whether or not to submit your test scores based on whether they truly reflect your academic abilities and strengthen your application. If you perform well on standardized tests, submitting your scores can enhance your college application, even at test-optional schools.

ACT score ranges explained

Understanding the ACT score distribution can help you set realistic goals and assess your performance relative to other test takers. The ACT score range is from 1 to 36, with scores distributed across various percentiles that indicate how a student's score compares to others.

Key ACT percentile ranges:

• Excellent (95th-100th percentile). Scores between 31 and 36 place you among the top performers, ideal for the most selective colleges.
• Above average (75th-94th percentile). Scores from 24 to 30 are considered strong and competitive, suitable for admission into many reputable universities.
• Average (38th-74th percentile). Scores between 21 and 23 are in the middle range, aligning closely with national averages.
• Below average (50th percentile). A score of 19-20 is right at the median, indicating that you are in the middle of the pack.
• Poor (1st-49th percentile). Scores ranging from 1 to 18 are below the median and may not meet the admission thresholds of many competitive institutions.

Your ACT score report breaks down your performance, including your composite score, raw scores in each subject area (the English, reading, science, and math sections), and optional writing score. You might also see an ELA score. ELA stands for English Language Arts, and this score reflects your performance across the English, reading, and writing test sections. 

This report also includes percentile ranks, showing how your scores compare to those of other test takers, and subscores that help pinpoint strengths based on correct answers and areas for improvement based on wrong answers. Understanding this report can help you see where you stand and what you might need to focus on to enhance your college application.

Aiming for an overall ACT score in the 75th percentile or above (around 24 or higher) is generally considered good and boosts your chances of admission into selective colleges. Striving to meet or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at your preferred colleges ensures that you remain competitive among your peers.

What is a good ACT writing score?

The ACT includes an optional writing section where students write an essay that presents their viewpoint on an issue. The ACT Writing Section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12 and does not affect your composite score. 

Understanding the scoring for this section is important if the colleges you're interested in require or recommend submitting a writing score.

The ACT writing test is scored on a scale of 2 to 12 by two graders who evaluate your essay based on four domains: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions. 

Your writing score is the average of the two graders' scores rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if one grader gives you a 4 and the other gives you a 6, your writing score would be 5.

The average (mean) ACT writing score is between 6 and 7 (6.3), according to the ACT organization. However, different colleges may have different standards for a good writing score. Generally, a score of 8 or higher is above average (90th percentile), and a score of 10 or higher is excellent (99th percentile). 

Research the admission requirements or averages of the colleges you're interested in and aim for a score within or above their range.

Can you retake the ACT test?

If you're not satisfied with your initial scores, don't worry - you can retake the ACT up to 12 times. However, the ACT organization suggests limiting retakes to two or three times to avoid raising concerns on your application. 

Retaking the ACT offers an opportunity to improve your scores, and you can also benefit from superscoring. With a superscore, your highest section scores from all attempts are combined into one impressive result that admissions officers will see alongside your individual scores.

Strategies To Improve Scores

• Practice tests. Take full-length practice tests to simulate the exam environment and identify areas needing improvement.
• Tutoring. Consider investing in tutoring or joining study groups to clarify concepts and reinforce key strategies.
• Study plan. Create a personalized study plan focused on strengthening your weaker section while reinforcing your stronger areas.

These strategies can help you improve specific section scores and create a competitive ACT superscore, enhancing your college application.

How many times should you take the ACT test?

You should take the ACT only two to three times. Here's why:

• Performance plateau. Your chances of witnessing a significant leap in scores tends to decrease, and you may hit a performance plateau.
• Negative impression. Admissions committees could perceive repeated retakes negatively, as it could suggest an overemphasis on testing rather than a balanced focus on other important aspects of your application, like extracurricular activities, GPA, or leadership skills.
• Limited resources. Another element when contemplating retakes is the resources they demand. Each attempt at the ACT mandates a fair amount of dedicated study time, rigorous test preparation, and additional registration fees.

A strategic move would be to start your ACT journey as early as the fall of your junior year. This timeline lets you spread out your testing over a reasonable duration and provides a buffer for retakes if they're needed.

You'll also want to check into whether any of your preferred colleges mandate the essay portion because the ACT with writing has a higher price tag than the ACT without writing ($93 vs. $68).

How does your ACT score affect college admissions?

ACT scores can have a big impact on your college application and eligibility for financial aid. Many schools use ACT scores as part of a holistic review process, while some consider these scores primarily for merit-based scholarships.

For instance, the middle 50% range is a helpful benchmark provided by many colleges that shows the range of scores for admitted students. Aiming for the "midpoint" - the median score within that range - is a good idea, but a score at or above the 75th percentile can significantly strengthen your application.

What ACT scores do Ivy League schools look for?

As a general rule of thumb, you'll need at least an ACT score of 31 to qualify during admissions decisions at an Ivy League school. Some colleges, including Harvard and Yale, have a minimum score requirement of 32. However, these are just base ACT scores to be considered for admission. To be competitive, you should aim for higher scores.

Here are the mid-point ACT scores for each Ivy League school for the class of 2024 (in no particular order):

Brown University

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

Columbia University

• Midpoint: 35
• 25th percentile: 34
• 75th percentile: 35

Cornell University

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

Dartmouth College

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

Harvard University

• Midpoint: 35
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 36

Princeton University

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

University of Pennsylvania

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

Yale University

• Midpoint: 34
• 25th percentile: 33
• 75th percentile: 35

A well-planned ACT prep strategy can help if you're contemplating how to bridge the gap between your initial composite ACT score and the average composite score at your dream school.

Test prep might include taking multiple practice tests and honing your skills, particularly in the ACT math and ACT reading sections. For some students, focusing on improving their ACT English or math scores can lead to a boost in their composite score.

Also, note the importance of understanding ACT score percentiles. While Ivy League schools generally look for ACT test scores in the top percentile, if your score is closer to the national average or even the 25th percentile, it doesn't necessarily end your Ivy League aspirations. 

Several Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, placing less emphasis on standardized test scores and more on other aspects of your application.

What schools accept low ACT scores?

College admission tests can be daunting, and your score might be average. Don't worry - several colleges accept lower ACT scores.

These are the mid-point ACT scores for 10 colleges you can get into (in no particular order, representing a diverse range of states and programs) if you have a below-average ACT score (under 21):

Ball State University - Indiana

• Midpoint: 24
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 27

Brigham Young University-Idaho - Idaho

• Midpoint: 23
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 26

Clark Atlanta University - Georgia

• Midpoint: 19
• 25th percentile: 17
• 75th percentile: 20

Florida Atlantic University - Florida

• Midpoint: 23
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 26

Kent State University at Kent - Ohio

• Midpoint: 22
• 25th percentile: 13
• 75th percentile: 25

Louisiana State University-Shreveport - Louisiana

• Midpoint: 23
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 25

Northern Kentucky University - Kentucky

• Midpoint: 23
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 26

Sam Houston State University - Texas

• Midpoint: 21
• 25th percentile: 18
• 75th percentile: 23

Southern Utah University - Utah

• Midpoint: 23
• 25th percentile: 20
• 75th percentile: 26

University of Montana - Montana

• Midpoint: 22
• 25th percentile: 18
• 75th percentile: 26

A step-by-step guide to setting ACT goals

Setting ACT goals requires a strategic approach, and sharing your targets with parents or guardians can provide valuable motivation and accountability. Here's how to map out your path to ACT success:

1. Research target colleges
   • Create a list of colleges you're interested in attending.
   • Visit each college's admissions page or use college guides to find their ACT score data.
2. Identify score ranges
   • For each college, note the 25th to 75th percentile range of ACT scores for admitted students.
   • Highlight the 75th percentile score to set an ambitious target.
3. Set a personal benchmark
   • Based on the highest 75th percentile score from your list of colleges, set a personal score goal. For instance, if one of your target schools has a 75th percentile score of 30, aim for that or higher.
4. Evaluate your current performance
   • Take a practice ACT test to see where you currently stand.
   • Compare your scores against your target and identify sections where you need improvement.
5. Create a study plan
   • Break down your study sessions to focus on weaker sections, using resources like practice questions, study guides, or tutoring.
   • Set a realistic timeline leading up to your ACT test date.
6. Stay accountable
   • Share your goals and progress with a trusted parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.
   • Regularly review your progress and adjust your study plan as needed.
7. Prepare for multiple attempts
   • Remember, you can retake the ACT if necessary.
   • Plan for two or three test attempts to reach your best score. Use your superscore by focusing on improving specific sections.

Use College Rover to find your dream college

The journey of achieving the best ACT score and finding the right college can seem overwhelming. But with the right information and tools like College Rover, you can research schools, programs, and more to find your perfect fit. You can also check to see if the college you're interested in is test-optional. 

Remember, the ACT score is just one piece of your college application. So, while striving for the best score, remember to focus on other aspects of your college application as well.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.