Do you really need to study for the ACT?

You should use official ACT practice tests and study resources when preparing. Practice time management — the ACT has 61 more questions than the SAT. Focus on questions you know first, and don't leave any answers blank. Memorizing math formulas and increasing your reading speed can help raise your score.

Should I take the ACT without studying?

Bottom line: taking the SAT or ACT without at least minimal prepping is never a good idea. While you can take these tests as many times as you like, we advise students not to take any test more than 4 times, and taking a test twice is really ideal.

How many hours a day should you study for ACT?

Instead, devote a few hours each week to studying over several months. Four to six hours can be the perfect amount for SAT and ACT preparation, but if you find yourself with more free time, you can always devote a little extra each week. Try two nights a week, two hours per night, to see how that works for you.

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.

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.

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

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.

Do any 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 17 a good ACT score?

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

Is a 4.7 GPA good for Harvard?

Final Admissions Verdict

To be safe, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT and a 4 GPA or higher to be above average.

Is 28 a good ACT score?

Is a 28 ACT Score (88th Percentile) Good? A score of 28 places you in approximately the 88th percentile of all high school students. With a 28, you're an extremely competitive candidate at a majority of schools, as well as able to consider applying to more selective institutions as well.

Is 4 times too many to take the ACT?

So, how many times can you take the ACT? You can take the ACT up to twelve times, and many students plan to take it two or three times between their junior and senior years. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 and divided into four sections; Math, English, Reading and Science.

Is it OK to take the ACT 4 times?

There is no limit to how many times students can take the ACT test. On average it takes students 2-3 times to achieve their testing goals. Retesting gives students a chance to adjust their study plan and tackle areas they want to improve.

How can I raise my ACT score fast?

Who got 36 on ACT?

Ryan Dawson, who in March earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, said the achievement takes not just years of studying, but months of test prep as well.

Has anyone got 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.

Is a 28 on ACT without studying good?

Well, it is outstanding! A 28 ACT score is equal to 88%. So, undoubtedly, it is an excellent score. Unfortunately, only a few candidates get the 28 ACT percentile, so if you have got one, you are lucky.

Is a 3.8 GPA too low for Ivy League?

So how much is good enough? Average GPAs at Ivy League schools start at 3.9. Therefore, it's best to aspire for a 4.0 to play it safe. But as long as you have a GPA close to this, your GPA likely won't hold you back in the admissions process.

Is a 3.9 GPA OK for Harvard?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

Can I go Ivy League with 3.7 GPA?

Earning a 3.7 GPA indicates consistent academic achievement. It means you can apply to just about any school with a good chance of being accepted (except for the Ivy League schools, but that's because there are no circumstances of guaranteed admission at Ivies).

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 a 30 on the ACT bad?

What percentile is a 30 ACT score? A 30 ACT score puts you at the 93rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 93% of all test takers!

Is the ACT a Midwest thing?

For many decades, the choice between the SAT and the ACT was considered a regional thing, with the SAT more popular on the coasts, the ACT in the West, and especially the Midwest. Now, any institution that accepts the SAT will accept the ACT, and vice-versa.

How many times can you take the ACT?

If you're not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the ACT. ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times.

Can I take the ACT online?

The online ACT is not available as a “remote” exam and must be taken on a test center-managed device at your chosen test center.