Have ACT scores gone down?

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.

Are ACT scores declining?

The average composite score on the ACT dropped for the sixth-straight year from 19.8 for the class of 2022 to 19.5 for the class of 2023, according to ACT, the nonprofit organization administering the exam. Average English, math, reading, and science scores also declined from 2022.

Why does my ACT score keep going down?

Why do scores drop? Very often a lower score is not the result of a major issue, but a combination of smaller factors. For starters, every ACT exam is different. The overall subject matter, layout, and style will remain consistent, but the specific questions and passages will change from test to test.

Why is the ACT average so low?

High school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test for 2023 dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student preparedness for college-level coursework, the nonprofit organization that administers the test said Wednesday.

What is the average ACT score in 2023?

Scores on the ACT college admissions test fell to a 30-year low in 2023. The average composite score on the exam fell 0.3 points to 19.5 compared with 19.8 last year, according to the nonprofit group that administers the exam. The top score is 36.

ACT scores drop to lowest level in 30 years | Rush Hour

Is 17 a bad ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Is 37 a good ACT score?

In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.

Are ACT scores getting worse?

This is the sixth straight year average ACT scores have fallen, with average scores declining in every academic subject, ACT CEO Janet Godwin said in a statement.

Is 35.5 on the ACT good?

Keep in mind, too, that although a 36 composite is considered perfect, a composite score of 34 or higher is already in the 99th percentile of test takers. In other words, if you get a 34+, you've done better than 99% of students who've taken the ACT. That's a great accomplishment!

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.

What is the average ACT score drop?

The national average ACT composite score dropped to 19.5 out of a maximum score of 36 for the Class of 2023, according to data released by the testing organization.

Do ACT scores matter anymore?

Even as many colleges extend their test-optional admissions policies another year, the ACT and SAT still can greatly affect merit-based scholarships and college admissions. Test optional really is only for those excited to pay full price. JUMPING THAT SCORE remains the best-paying job a high school student can have.

Are ACT tests 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.

Why is the ACT flawed?

How is the ACT biased? Race, class and gender biases give White, affluent, and male test-takers an unfair edge. ACT scores are directly related to family income: the richer students' parents are, the higher are average scores.

Can ACT send you the wrong score?

If the error does not involve retesting, corrected score reports will be released to you and all previous score recipients at no charge. If an error is not to be found to be made by ACT and you wish to send corrected reports, you must request and pay for Additional Score Reports.

Is it easy to get a 36 on the ACT?

Getting a perfect ACT score is a pretty rare feat. The number of students in 2020 who scored a full 36 was 5,579 out of over 1.6 million — or about 0.33% of test-takers. Don't be discouraged by the rarity of a perfect score. Even if you don't earn a 36, coming close is still an excellent result.

Is 27 a decent ACT score?

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.

Is 28 a competitive ACT score?

With a 28, you're an extremely competitive candidate at a majority of schools, as well as able to consider applying to more selective institutions as well. Since one of the purposes of taking the ACT is to generate a large number of college options to choose from, a score of 28 accomplishes this goal.

What is the lowest ACT score anyone has gotten?

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 it easier to get a better score on the ACT or SAT?

Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Is it easier to improve on ACT or SAT?

Both of these tests are equally difficult, so regardless of your personal strengths, you can do well on both of them with the right resources and strategies.

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.

How rare is a 35 ACT?

Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.775% of test takers earned. Note that about four times more students earned a 34 than they did a 36.

Is a 36 a 100% on the ACT?

To really press how well a 36 is, it puts you at a 100 percentile — meaning that you scored higher or as high as all test takers. Only 0.19% of test takers earn a 36, which is around 3,700 students in the most recent years.