Are ACT tests getting easier?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

Are ACT practice tests harder than the real thing?

They are both supposed to be equally as difficult. A good studying strategy would be to take ACT practice tests with harder questions to improve your skills for the real thing. But both versions of the test are supposed to be equally difficult.

Is the ACT actually easier 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.

Has ACT scoring changed over years?

The line chart shows a gradual decline in composite ACT scores from 1990 to 2023, with a peak score of 21.2 in 2007 and a low of 19.5 for 2023. The class of 2023 had the worst ACT performance in more than three decades, according to newly released data from the nonprofit that administers the college admissions test.

Does the ACT get harder as you go?

The ACT is not advertising any changes, so it's up to you to keep a discerning eye when you take practice tests from various years and adjust your test prep accordingly. Since the ACT is getting harder to finish, focus on trying out different strategies for pacing yourself and managing your time.

ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (minimal studying) in 2024

Is the ACT easier than it was 20 years ago?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

Is getting a 32 on the ACT hard?

A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 97% of all test takers.

Is 17 a good ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

What was a perfect ACT score in 1990?

\3\Minimum score, 1; maximum score, 36. \4\Beginning in 1990, the test was changed to "reading". \5\Beginning in 1990, the test was changed to "science reasoning". \6\Beginning in 1990, scores were 27 or above.

Which ACT test is the easiest?

While there is no section that is inherently easier or harder than the others, some students may find that they are naturally better at certain types of questions or have had more practice with certain skills.

Does MIT prefer ACT or SAT?

Some students do better on the SAT while others do better on the ACT. MIT accepts scores from either test and does not favor one over the other. The timing of the tests might be important. The SAT includes a total of 154 multiple-choice questions to complete during a testing window of three hours.

Do some schools prefer ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Has ACT Math gotten harder?

Questions in all of the sections are becoming steadily more difficult, with matrices, conic sections, permutations, vectors, and other advanced concepts making more frequent appearances.

Why does the ACT give you so little time?

Why does the ACT have less time and more questions than the SAT? That's simple. The questions are easier. For marketing reasons, since the ACT was created to steal customers away from the well-established SAT, the questions were designed to be easier.

Why is ACT Math so hard?

The ACT Math section covers many math concepts, including algebra and trigonometry, which can trip up test-takers. And while the SAT provides common math formulas for its Math section, the ACT does not — meaning it's up to you to memorize all potential formulas.

How rare is a 36 on the ACT?

Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.25% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.775% of test takers earned.

What is a top 1% ACT score?

ACT score of 35+ = top 1% of test-takers.

What is a 90% on the ACT?

If you scored in the 90th percentile, for example, you scored better than 90% (or 90 out of every 100) test-takers. If you scored in the 50th percentile, you scored better than half of your peers.

Is a 13 on ACT bad?

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.

Has anyone gotten 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.

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

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!

Can I get into Harvard with a 32 ACT?

Harvard does not have set ACT score requirements or cutoffs.

The statistics above show that the average Harvard ACT score hovers around a 34, so aiming for a score within a point or two of or that average will set up an applicant for success.

Is a 32 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale. The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section.

Is 24 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 24 a good ACT score? “Good” ACT scores are ones that make you eligible and competitive at a wide variety of colleges and universities. An 24 ACT provides both at all but the selective institutions and up, making it a great score for students interested in moving onto higher education!