Does a bad ACT score matter?

Colleges consider a range of ACT scores when making admissions decisions, giving students some flexibility. Commonly, students with scores in the range of 20-23 are still considered competitive at many mid-tier colleges. For more selective schools, a score in the 24-28 range will increase your chances of admission.

What happens if I get a bad ACT score?

If you're close to the bottom end of the range, it doesn't mean it's impossible for you to get into that school. Colleges may accept students with lower ACT scores for any number of reasons — they might consider students strong applicants if they have a high GPA or impressive community service experience.

Does your ACT score really matter?

Many colleges and universities use ACT and SAT scores as part of their admissions decision process. Admissions officers may use test scores to assess a student's academic preparedness and potential for success at their institution.

Is a 13 on the 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.

Is it bad to get a 12 on an ACT?

12 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1838217 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.

The problem with America's college entrance exam

Is 18 an OK ACT score?

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.

Is 18 a good ACT?

Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.

Is 27 an OK ACT score?

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! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

Is a 37 on the ACT good?

A score of 24 means you've scored better than about 78% of students. A 28 means you've scored better than 90% of students, and a 30 means you've scored better than 94% of them! Anything 34 or above is in the 99th percentile—a truly phenomenal score.

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 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 the ACT harder than SAT?

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.

Will not submitting ACT scores hurt?

If scores are not sent, the school simply bases their admission decision off the rest of the application. Test optional schools will not look negatively upon students who choose to not submit test scores. They are “test optional” for a reason, so no need to worry about that.

Should I submit a bad ACT score?

Even if you're generally satisfied with your SAT/ACT scores, if they fall well below your school's middle 50% range, it may be better to withhold them so they don't count against you in the admissions process.

Is it normal to fail the ACT?

Well, the truth is that you can't actually fail the SATs or the ACTs, but you can certainly feel like you've failed after getting a low score. Maybe the score you were looking for to get into your top choice isn't what you got. Maybe you had a bad test day, and know you can do better next time.

Why is my ACT score so low?

Did You Practice? If you never practiced for the ACT, that is probably the issue. The ACT is a very fast test. You need to know the ACT test format before taking the ACT so that the format will not slow you down.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Admissions Summary

Harvard College is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 3%. Students that get into Harvard College have an ACT score of 34–36*.

Is a 36 ACT impressive?

A 36 ACT score puts you at the 100th percentile, meaning you scored higher or as high as all test takers.

Is it hard to get a 18 on the ACT?

Did you just score an 18 on the ACT and wonder how well you did on the exam? With a score of 18, you are in the 40th percentile of all test takers. You are in range for improvement and, with plenty of preparation, can better your score and widen the horizon of opportunity.

Can I get into Harvard with a 27 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. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points?

What's the lowest ACT score you can get?

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.

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.

Is a 970 SAT score bad?

If your target college expects you to take SAT and send scores, 970 is much lower and below national average score.

Is 20 on the ACT bad?

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. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.

Is a 22 on the ACT bad?

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.