Does a bad ACT score hurt you?

High standardized test scores can't hurt you, but low scores often can. Stellar standardized test scores can take the sting out of a low grade-point average if there was a slide in academic performance that can be linked to extenuating circumstances.

What happens if I get a bad ACT score?

While your GPA and transcript are very important, your low ACT score may make an admissions officer question if your grades were “inflated” (which some teachers do) or ask if you took easy classes. They may think that your low ACT score is a better signifier of how prepared you are for higher education.

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.

Is a 1 on the ACT bad?

ACT Test Score Ranges

Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Can I still get into college with a low ACT score?

If a student has a low ACT score but a high GPA, some colleges may still consider the student for admission if the GPA is strong enough to demonstrate their academic abilities. In these cases, colleges may also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Can the act writing hurt your score?

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.

Is it OK to have a low ACT score?

Ultimately, a low ACT score for a particular college is a score that won't get you in. Schools don't tend to publish hard ACT score minimums, but they do offer information about the ACT scores of their students. We can use current students' scores to infer what scores colleges expect from applicants.

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!

Is 22 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 22 a good ACT score? A 22 ACT score is above the national average score of 21, making you eligible to apply as a good candidate to many colleges.

Is a 27 bad on the ACT?

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 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%

Is 20 a decent ACT score?

Students aiming for semi-competitive, moderately competitive colleges (those with acceptance rates between 50-70%), and competitive colleges (those with acceptance rates between 30-50%) should aim for scores between 20 and 27. Those scores are good, because they help you apply to competitive colleges.

Is the SAT or ACT easier?

The SAT is not harder than the ACT. Both tests vary slightly in terms of subjects covered and structure. These variations can affect each test-taker differently, making one exam more challenging than the other. Taking full-length practice tests of each type can help you determine which may be best suited for you.

Why did I score so low on the ACT?

You're Not Spacing Out Your Study Sessions Enough

Maybe you're an overachiever who wants to spend as much time studying as possible. While it's great you're so dedicated to studying and performing well on the ACT, you might be hurting your score.

Should I submit a bad ACT score?

Advice From a College Access Professional

When advising students I recommend sending in test scores if your scores are at or above the 75th percentile for the college. If your scores are somewhere between the 50th and 75th percentile, you probably should submit the scores.

Is a 28 bad on ACT?

With a score of 28, you are in the 91st percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 28, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at highly selective colleges. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Can I get into Harvard with a 22 ACT?

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 23 on the ACT bad?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges.

Is 18 a decent ACT score?

The average ACT hovers just below 21, at a 20.9, making that a great benchmark for all college-bound students. Several colleges will accept an ACT score of 18, but not as many as we'd typically like to see. Re-taking the test and aiming for the 21 score would be ideal.

Is 28 a good English ACT score?

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. With this score, the panelists will consider you as an above-average student.

Is 29 a competitive ACT score?

A 29 ACT score makes you eligible and competitive at many colleges, including some selective ones, as well as makes you eligible for merit aid.

Can I get a full ride with a 27 ACT?

Your score should be above 30 ACT score. Actually, some may provide scholarships at 25 ACT score and above but to get the good amount of scholarships your score should be 30 above. To get a full ride from your fees your score should be in the range of 32–36.

What's a failing ACT score?

Any composite 16 or lower is in the bottom 25%. If you score below 16 or lower on the ACT, your score is definitely in the very low range nationwide.

Has anyone ever 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 is the lowest possible ACT score?

In 1995, some 38 percent of all high school graduates took the ACT. In 2022, some 36 percent of high school graduates were projected to take the ACT. The minimum score on the ACT is 1 and maximum score is 36.