Does ACT score matter more than GPA?

You know that your ACT and GPA scores both matter. But does one figure reign supreme? Contrary to the claims of many college admissions officers, one score does seem to matter more than the other. While your GPA plays an important role, most schools will place greater importance on your ACT score.

Is the ACT or GPA more important?

Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college. In fact, researchers found that GPA was five times better at making this prediction when compared to the ACT. Another study showed that grades were a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.

What if I have a high ACT score but low GPA?

High ACT or SAT scores will not completely overcome a poor GPA, but they can assist students and demonstrate that they have the ability to thrive in college. An applicant's overall evaluation will take into account test scores, GPA, class rank, references, extracurricular activities, and the high school curriculum.

Does an ACT score affect your GPA?

The simple answer is yes, a high SAT/ACT score can make up for a low GPA. Because your Academic Index is based on grades and test scores, a strong performance on the SAT or ACT can buoy a disappointing GPA.

Can a good GPA make up for low ACT?

If you have a GPA of 3.5 or above, this would generally be considered “high” at most colleges and can help offset lower SAT or ACT scores. Remember, these are just averages and each college has its unique admission requirements.

Teachers Guess Students' GPAs | Lineup | Cut

Do colleges look more at GPA or ACT?

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.

Is 14 a low ACT score?

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.

What is considered a bad ACT score?

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 29 a bad ACT score?

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. That's a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud!

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.

What is the lowest ACT score at Harvard?

The average ACT score of Harvard-accepted students is 33. Although Harvard claims there is no minimum ACT score, if you apply with a 29 or lower, you'll have difficulty getting in. So, to get into Harvard, it is important to note the different Harvard University requirements for test scores.

Does a bad ACT score matter?

One last thing: keep in mind that a particular ACT score is not a guarantee of admission to any individual college. Test scores are only one factor in admissions. Higher test scores open up more options to students, but your high school grades and personal narrative will be what sways college admissions officers.

Is a 2.8 GPA in college bad?

A 2.8 GPA is equivalent to 83% or B letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 2.8 is just a bit below average.

Do colleges really look at ACT scores?

College admission tests like the SAT and ACT are standardized tests typically taken in your junior or senior year. Colleges use scores from these tests to help them make admission decisions.

Is a 2.7 GPA in college bad?

According to statistics, the average student maintains a B average throughout their college career. This is equivalent to a 3.0 GPA. We should now have a fundamental understanding of what a 3.0 GPA is. A 2.7 GPA indicates that you are a below-average student since it generally equates to a B- grade.

Is 16 a bad ACT score?

A score of 24 places you at the 76th percentile—better than ¾ of test-takers! In terms of benchmarks for ACT score percentiles, a score of 16 places you at the 35th percentile, meaning you've scored better than about a third of test-takers. This isn't a very strong score.

Is a 1300 ACT score good?

This means that your score, falling in the 1300-1390 SAT or 28-30 ACT range, is the about same or better than the average score for admitted students for these colleges.

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 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 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 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.

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.