What is a Good ACT Score?

Every year, over a million high school students sit for the ACT, aiming to secure scores that align with or exceed the admissions criteria of their chosen colleges and universities. Given the varied interpretations of what constitutes a good ACT score across different institutions, understanding these nuances becomes essential. This article addresses the complexities surrounding ACT scores, providing students with insights into achieving scores that significantly improve their college admission prospects. By delving into the latest scoring trends, how colleges evaluate ACT scores, and how to determine what score you should aim for, we aim to empower students with the knowledge to navigate their path to college success.

The ACT Scoring System

The ACT scoring system can be broken down into several key components, each contributing uniquely to the final assessment.

Section Scores and Composite Score

• Core Components: The ACT consists of four mandatory sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each scored on a 1 to 36 scale.
• Composite Score : The composite score, central to college admissions decisions, is the rounded average of the four section scores. For example, if a student scores 28 in English, 30 in Mathematics, 26 in Reading, and 24 in Science, their composite score would be 27.

Scoring for the Writing Section

• Optional Yet Insightful: If opted for, the Writing section is evaluated separately, with scores ranging from 2 to 12. Though the Writing section doesn't impact the composite score, it provides colleges with insight into a student's writing and critical thinking skills.

Score Reports

• Score Availability: ACT score reports are generally accessible online within two weeks post-exam, though it could extend to eight weeks.
• Interpreting Scores: A score report details section scores, the composite score, and the writing score (if applicable), alongside national percentiles for comparison.

The Importance of Equating

• Fair Score Comparison: The ACT employs equating to adjust scores for slight differences in test difficulty across administrations. This ensures that scores are consistent and comparable over time.

Understanding "Good" ACT Scores

A "good" ACT score varies significantly across different colleges and universities. While a composite score of 23 is considered above the current national average and competitive at many institutions, selective colleges often look for scores that are much higher. The competitiveness of a score can also vary by section, depending on a student's intended major; for example, engineering programs may place a higher emphasis on mathematics and science scores​​.

Percentile Ranges and the Benchmark for Good Scores

College percentiles for ACT/SAT scores compare an applicant's score to those of a college's previously admitted students. Colleges use them to assess where an applicant stands within their applicant pool, helping to gauge competitiveness and fit within the institution's academic profile during the admissions process.

• 25th to 75th Percentile Range: Colleges typically publish admitted students' ACT score ranges, providing insight into what scores are competitive. The 25th percentile score is the lower end of the scale, indicating that 25% of admitted students scored below this mark, while the 75th percentile score shows where the top 25% of admitted students score. Achieving a score in the 75th percentile or higher of a college’s admitted class can significantly strengthen an application.
• Benchmark for "Good" Scores: A good ACT score generally falls within or above the middle 50% of scores for admitted students at a college. The middle 50% represents scores between the 25th and 75th percentiles, eliminating the highest and lowest 25%. For instance, Vanderbilt's Class of 2018 had an ACT middle 50% range of 32-34, indicating half of the enrolled students scored within this bracket.

For the Writing section, which is scored separately from 2 to 12, a good score falls within the 6 to 7 range or higher. This section provides colleges with additional insight into an applicant's writing ability, critical thinking, and ability to form logical arguments​​.

Impact on Admissions

• Holistic Review: While ACT scores are important, colleges use a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation alongside standardized test scores.
• Test-Optional Policies: An increasing number of colleges have adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit an ACT or SAT score. However, a strong score can still enhance in one of these tests an application and demonstrate academic readiness.

Expert Tip: While colleges review applications holistically, ACT tutors recommend that a strong ACT score can significantly enhance your application, showcasing your academic readiness and standing out in the test-optional admissions process.

Setting Personal ACT Score Goals

Achieving a score that aligns with or exceeds the average scores of admitted students at your target schools is important to increase your chances of getting accepted. For students aiming for highly selective schools, focusing preparation on reaching the upper quartiles of the ACT score ranges for those institutions will be key. Our college admissions tutors can help you set realistic ACT score goals based on your target colleges' admission statistics, ensuring you're well-positioned in the competitive landscape of college admissions.

Example to Illustrate Score Interpretation

Imagine a student, Taylor, aiming for admission to a university where the middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students is 23 to 29. Taylor's ACT score of 27 falls well within this range, indicating they are competitively positioned among the applicant pool. If Taylor were considering highly selective colleges with average scores above 30, a score of 27 might necessitate targeted improvement for a stronger application.

The National Average ACT Score

Average Composite Score, 1990-2023

This section breaks down the latest statistics and examines trends over time of ACT scores nationally in the US.

Latest National Averages

Table Showing Average ACT Composite and Section Scores, 2017-2022

• Current Figures: As of 2023, the national average ACT composite score was recorded at 19.5, marking it as the lowest average since 1990​​. This average is a culmination of scores from the four core sections of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
• Historical Trends: Over the past decade, the national average ACT score has demonstrated slight fluctuations, with a general downward trend leading to the current average. The following table depicts this trend.

Impact of National Average

Knowing the national average enables students to see where they stand compared to other test takers nationally. While surpassing the national average is an accomplishment, many colleges and programs expect scores well above this threshold. For example, at more competitive colleges, like NYU and Cornell, the middle 50% range will often fall between the range of 32-35.

Average ACT Scores by Section

Individual section scores on the ACT are important because they influence college admissions. This is especially true for programs valuing certain skills, such as engineering or humanities, which may prioritize math and science or English and reading scores, respectively. These scores can also affect scholarship eligibility, course placement, and the overall competitiveness of an application. Moreover, individual section scores also help students identify areas for improvement. For these reasons, individual performance across all sections is beneficial for both admissions prospects and future academic success.

National Average Scores by ACT Section

The national averages for each ACT section, reflective of the performance of high school graduates from 2021 to 2023, are as follows:

• English: The average score for the English section for recent years is 19.
• Mathematics: The Mathematics section's average score stands at 19.4.
• Reading: For Reading, the average score is 20.5.
• Science: The Science section has an average score of 20.
• Writing: The average score for the optional writing section stands at 6.2.
• Composite: The composite, or overall average ACT score, was 19.9, combining the four compulsory sections' scores​​​​.

ACT Score Ranges for Top Universities

For students aiming to secure a spot at a top university, understanding the ACT score ranges for these institutions is important. The score range not only highlights the competitive nature of these schools but also serves as a benchmark for academic excellence.

ACT Score Ranges at Elite Institutions

Table Showing ACT Score Ranges and Acceptance Rates at Top Colleges

The most prestigious universities in the United States, such as those in the Ivy League, along with other highly selective colleges like MIT and Stanford, often have ACT score ranges that reflect their rigorous admission standards.

• Top institutions like California Institute of Technology and Harvard University typically see average ACT scores at the very top of the scale, with ranges stretching from 33 to 36​​​​.
• This high benchmark is consistent across similar institutions, where the expectation is for applicants to demonstrate exceptional academic ability through their ACT scores.

It is pertinent to note that even though numerous schools have adopted a test-optional policy in recent years, a good ACT or SAT will still have a positive impact on your application at these institutions. For such institutions, a commendable ACT or SAT score can serve as a powerful differentiator among a pool of applicants, showcasing academic readiness and a commitment to excellence.

The Importance of ACT Scores in Context

Across the board, these elite institutions share the expectation that applicants will demonstrate not just strong academic potential but exceptional performance. This trend underscores the competitive nature of admissions at top-tier colleges, where a high ACT score (or SAT score), while not the sole criterion, can be a key component of a successful application.

However, it's important to note that these institutions also conduct a holistic review of applications, considering factors beyond standardized test scores, such as essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements, to assemble a diverse and dynamic student body.

Strategies to Achieve a Good ACT Score

Achieving a strong score on the ACT is achievable through effective preparation. A structured, strategic approach to preparation can significantly enhance your performance. Below are some strategies to optimize your ACT preparation and performance.

Expert Tip: Our ACT tutors advocate using a variety of resources, including official ACT prep materials and online practice questions, to expose yourself to a wide range of potential test questions and formats.

• Comprehensive Understanding of the Format: Understanding the ACT exam format is important for effective preparation. Begin by deeply understanding the ACT's structure, including the breakdown of sections (English, Math, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing section), types of questions, and the allotted time for each part. This foundational knowledge enables effective time management and reduces surprises on test day.
• Consistent, Targeted Practice: Regular practice is indispensable. Utilize official ACT practice tests to mimic exam conditions as closely as possible. This practice helps acclimate you to the test's timing and pressure and allows you to identify areas needing improvement.
• Leverage Professional Tutoring: Investing in a tutor who specializes in the ACT can offer tailored instruction and insights that broad practice materials cannot. A good tutor assesses your current capabilities, identifies areas for improvement, and crafts a personalized study plan aimed at maximizing your score. This one-on-one guidance can also help clarify complex concepts and boost your test-taking confidence.
• Master Reading and Test-Taking Strategies: For sections laden with reading, work on improving your reading speed and comprehension. Practice skimming techniques and learn to quickly identify key points and answers within passages. Familiarize yourself with common test-taking strategies, such as the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions and educated guessing when necessary, to increase your efficiency and accuracy.
• Effective Time Management Skills: The ACT is as much a test of timing as it is of academic knowledge. Regular timed practice sessions can help you develop a sense of pacing that will enable you to allocate your time wisely across questions and sections, ensuring that you can answer all questions within the given time limits.
• Simulate Real Test Conditions: To acclimate yourself to the test day environment, simulate as closely as possible the conditions under which you will be taking the ACT. This includes practicing with the same time constraints, using a similar seating arrangement, and even taking practice tests at the same time of day as your scheduled test.

By diligently applying these strategies to your ACT preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the test with confidence and achieve a score that accurately reflects your capabilities and academic potential.

Conclusion

Understanding what constitutes a good ACT score is important for your higher education journey and varies depending on your college goals. In summary, aiming for a score at or above the average admitted scores of your target institutions is a solid strategy. Remember, though, that colleges consider more than just test scores; a holistic application includes strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. Hence, strive for balance and excellence across all aspects of your application to maximise your admissions prospects.