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.

Do colleges really care about ACT scores?

The importance of SAT and ACT scores is not a thing of the past. While there are a select number of colleges, or test blind schools, that do not look at test scores, there are far more schools that will take your test scores into account if you submit them.

Do ACT scores even matter?

Some colleges may offer automatic scholarships to students who achieve a certain score on the ACT or SAT. Other schools may use test scores as one factor in awarding merit-based aid, so higher scores can increase your student's overall eligibility for scholarships and grants.

Is the ACT actually important?

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. Learn more about paying for college.

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.

The problem with America's college entrance exam

Is 14 a bad 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.

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 23 bad on the ACT?

Is 23 A Good Act Score? As discussed before, 1 is the lowest, and 36 is the highest ACT score. This makes 23, an above-average score. So as per your question on whether 23 is a good ACT score or not, well, it is excellent.

Is ACT enough for Harvard?

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 it common to not finish the ACT?

The ACT is a time crunch, and most students have trouble finishing the whole test in the allotted time.

What if I think my ACT score is wrong?

If you think there is an error (on any information other than your test scores), write to ACT Customer Support—Score Reports at the above address within three months of receiving your score report. Enclose a photocopy or printed pdf of your Student Report describing the error and the change you are requesting.

Is 10 a bad ACT score?

10 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 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.

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.

Is the ACT easier 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.

Is the SAT or ACT more important?

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.

Does Harvard look at ACT scores?

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 17 a good ACT score?

In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools. On the other hand, an ACT score of 17 or lower is accepted by 58 schools.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Aim for a 1580 SAT and 36 ACT (the 75th percentile)

The middle 50% of Harvard's class of 2025 earned SAT scores of 1480-1580 and ACT scores of 33-36. Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, the higher in the range you score, the better your odds of admission are.

Can a 30 ACT get into Harvard?

Applicants should score between 30 and 36 on their ACT to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute SAT score or having an above-average GPA. Either an SAT or ACT score is required for application to this school.

Is a 13 bad for ACT?

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 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 20 a good ACT score for a junior?

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. This is why it's better to aim even higher, ideally for the top 25% — or a composite score of around 24.

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 1300 a good SAT score?

Is a 1300 a good SAT score? The average composite SAT score is 1059, and the highest possible score is 1600, putting 1300 above average and competitive. A 1300 SAT score allows you to apply competitively to a large number of schools, making it an objectively good score for most students.