Are they making the ACT harder?

Most of the changes are seen in the Science and Reading sections, where the questions are getting more complex and time-consuming. 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.

Was the 2023 ACT hard?

For the 1.4 million ACT test-takers in the high school class of 2023, the average composite score on the exam was 19.5 out of 36, the lowest score since 1991, according to the nonprofit. Forty-three percent of students did not meet any of the subject-matter benchmarks, up from 36 percent in 2019.

Does the ACT get progressively harder?

Questions typically increase in difficulty as the section progresses, so, if possible, work through the earlier questions as quickly as possible to leave more time for more complex questions later in the section.

Is the ACT test getting harder?

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 the ACT harder than the pre ACT?

The PreACT is a low-stakes pre-exam for the ACT designed by ACT, the nonprofit organization of the same name that administers the ACT. The PreACT is a slightly shorter, slightly easier exam designed to help students prepare for the official ACT exam by simulating the test and testing experience.

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

Is 17 a good ACT score?

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

Is 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.

How hard is a 22 ACT score?

A 22 ACT accomplishes this task — the national average score is just a hair under 21, making 22 better than average! Looking at this from another angle, a score of 22 places you in the 63rd percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 63% of all test takers.

Is it easy to get a 30 on the ACT?

Getting a 30 isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible—you just need to know how to prepare. Our top nine tips below teach you how to get a 30 on the ACT and give you the confidence you'll need for test day.

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.

Do ACT scores get curved?

It primarily functions to standardize ACT scores and ensure comparability across test dates. So, while the ACT does have a "curve" of sorts, it's more accurately described as an equating process rather than a traditional curve.

What months are the ACT easiest to take?

The ideal window for low-stress ACT testing opens in the spring of sophomore year and closes the summer after junior year.

Is getting a 26 on ACT hard?

A 26 ACT score puts you at the 83rd percentile, which means you scored higher than 83% of all test takers!

Is 27 a good ACT score for a freshman?

Because an ACT score of 27 demonstrates ample academic skills, it's good for competitive admission to many colleges and universities.

How hard is it to get a 17 on the ACT?

17 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1359515 scored the same or higher than you.

Is 26 a good ACT score for a freshman?

With a score of 26, you are in the 83th to 85th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 26, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the most selective colleges and the Ivy League.

Can a 30 ACT get into Harvard?

Applicants should score between 30 and 36 on their ACT to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute SAT score or having an above-average GPA. Either an SAT or ACT score is required for application to this school.

Is a score of 14 on the ACT good?

Below Average ACT Scores

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 a 30 ACT good for Harvard?

Average ACT: 34

In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Is a 1200 ACT score good?

For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 27 ACT Score Good? With a score of 27, you are in the 87th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 27, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Is 18 a decent 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 11 a good ACT score?

11 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

Is 37 a good ACT score?

So, to recap, compared to all test-takers:

ACT score < 16 = bottom 35% ACT score of 21 = right in the middle! (average score) ACT score of 24+ = top 25%