Has the ACT been getting harder?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

Was the 2023 ACT hard?

For the 1.4 million ACT test-takers in the high school class of 2023, the average composite score on the exam was 19.5 out of 36, the lowest score since 1991, according to the nonprofit. Forty-three percent of students did not meet any of the subject-matter benchmarks, up from 36 percent in 2019.

Does the ACT get progressively harder?

Does the Math section on the ACT get progressively harder? Yes. Unlike the ACT English Test, questions become progressively harder towards the end of the math section. Usually, questions 1 - 20 are easier than questions 40 - 60.

Has ACT scoring changed over years?

Average composite ACT score

The line chart shows a gradual decline in composite ACT scores from 1990 to 2023, with a peak score of 21.2 in 2007 and a low of 19.5 for 2023.

Is a score of 14 on the ACT good?

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.

ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (minimal studying) in 2023

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 a 18 on the ACT bad?

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

Is the ACT harder than 20 years ago?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better.

What's the lowest ACT score Harvard has accepted?

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.

Are ACT scores lower for 2023?

College admission test scores are dropping lower than previously, especially ACT scores, according to the nonprofit that administers the test. ACT scores dropped from 19.8 for the class of 2022 to 19.5 for the class of 2023.

Why is the ACT so much harder?

1 Strict Time Constraints. The structure of the ACT makes it difficult for some test-takers. Consider the English section. You'll get just 45 minutes to answer 75 questions, meaning you'll need to answer a question every 36 seconds to complete the section in time.

Do ACT scores get curved?

It's important to note that the ACT® exam itself is not curved relative to test takers. However, it is curved through a process known as equating. This is when the ACT® organization scales test scores from a range of past test dates so that they're all comparable in the ability that is being tested.

What months are the ACT easiest to take?

The two dates that are the best for this are the September ACT® because you've had the entire summer to hone your skills, and the February ACT® because you can fit in at least 2 weeks of intense studying over winter break.

Is 27 a good ACT score for a freshman?

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

Is a 33 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

A 33 is on the lower end of the middle 50% range for Ivy League schools, but it's still within the range. It should be high enough to at least get your application read, provided that your GPA and course rigor are also similar to that of accepted Ivy League students.

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.

Is 27 a good ACT score?

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 34 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

Many students who are admitted to Ivy League schools have ACT scores in the 32-36 range, so your 34 is within that range. However, it's important to remember that the admissions process also takes into account other crucial factors such as coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and more.

Has the ACT test gotten easier?

The ACT Has Become More Difficult Over the Years

This evolution occurred to compensate for the average increase in ACT scores over the years. In 2014, the average composite score was 21. That was a significant increase from the 1970 average, which was 18.6.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 20?

An ACT score of 20 is around the national average, so it's not necessarily "bad." Whether you should retake the test depends on the specific requirements of the colleges or universities you're interested in attending.

What was a perfect ACT score in 1990?

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Is 13 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.

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

Can a High GPA Make Up for a Low Test Score? Yes, to some extent, a high GPA can make up for a lower test score. Universities and colleges are increasingly looking at the entire profile of the student rather than a single metric.

Is a 11 bad on the ACT?

11 ACT Score Standings

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.