Do colleges take ACT seriously?

More than 80 percent of U.S. colleges and universities do not require applicants to take standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT. That proportion of institutions with test-optional policies has more than doubled since the spring of 2020.

Do colleges really care about the ACT?

The short answer: No. All colleges that consider test scores in 2023 accept both the ACT and SAT for admissions and don't discriminate based on which test applicants take. The biggest reason why you might think a college prefers one test is that a college typically receives more of one test than the other.

Is it worth it to take the ACT in college?

The ACT could help you save thousands on tuition.

Taking the ACT test can increase your chances of earning new or better scholarships. One counselor found that over 10 years, more of her students earned more scholarship dollars with ACT scores than SAT scores.

Does your ACT score really matter?

One big piece of this process continues to be the standardized SAT and ACT exams. Of all the factors impacting a school's acceptance, we believe these test scores make up approximately 30% of the overall decision. However, they are extremely important for being awarded scholarship money.

Does it look bad to take the ACT 4 times?

Is it bad to take the ACT four times? While taking the ACT multiple times can improve your score, attempting it more than 2-3 times probably won't raise it significantly. In fact, college admissions officers might even look unfavorably upon students with many test attempts.

Do colleges really not care if you take the SAT or ACT?

Should you retake the ACT if you got a 30?

If you plan to attend a school with low (or no) ACT score requirements or a community college, you probably don't need to retake the ACT. For a highly selective school like Harvard or Columbia, you should aim for a considerably higher-than-average ACT score, say, between 34 and 36.

Is 17 a bad ACT score?

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

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 decent ACT score?

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.

Do colleges look at GPA or ACT scores more?

Although the ACT is given a lot of weight, the GPA is still a huge component of your application. It is the only piece of numerical data that can reveal hard work, self-discipline, and consistency. Together with your transcript, your GPA can show improvement over time and intellectual growth.

Do colleges prefer GPA or ACT?

While most colleges continue to ask students for their ACT and SAT scores, the predictive power of GPA and grades can no longer be denied. Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college.

What are the 2 main reasons to take the ACT?

The ACT is a good value because it offers a college admissions test, college course placement, and a career planning component for one modest fee. And you can make yourself visible to colleges and scholarship agencies across the country by taking the ACT.

Should I send all my ACT scores to colleges?

You have to be careful and read your target colleges' score submission policies carefully. Failing to send all your ACT scores to colleges that require all of them could jeopardize your application!

Does the ACT predict college success?

Nevertheless, the SAT and ACT yield scores that predict performance in the college classroom. Correlations between scores on the tests and college grade point average (GPA) are typically in the . 30–. 50 range (Kuncel and Hezlett 2007; Sackett et al.

Do colleges 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.

Is 15 a low ACT score?

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 37 a good ACT score?

In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.

How rare is a 36 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.

Is a 13 on ACT bad?

13 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1780773 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 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!

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.

What's the lowest ACT score a college will accept?

Colleges generally consider a minimum ACT score of 12 for admission. Scores below this threshold may pose challenges in the admission process, impacting your chances of acceptance.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. 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.