How do colleges use your ACT scores?

Your national ranks tell you how your scores compare to those earned by recent high school graduates who took the ACT. Colleges use this information to help make admissions decisions, and scholarship agencies may base awards on it.

How do colleges use your ACT score for admissions?

Colleges use the ACT in two ways: (1) to get a broad idea of your academic abilities, and (2) as a way to compare you to the other students in their applicant pool. Don't forget: The ACT is a standardized test. This means that your ACT score can be used to compare you to students in the rest of the country.

What are the four ways in which colleges use ACT scores?

Do ACT scores get automatically sent to colleges?

While we still automatically send your scores from the ACT test to the places you requested when you registered (including both your high school and college score recipients), something may have changed since then.

Is 17 a good ACT score?

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

Why US Colleges Reject International Students

Is a 13 on 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 a 30 on the ACT bad?

What percentile is a 30 ACT score? A 30 ACT score puts you at the 93rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 93% of all test takers!

Do colleges look at GPA or ACT scores?

Although college admissions officers often say that they give much more weight to a student's GPA, even they will admit that your ACT score is of considerable importance. Here's what they won't tell you: your ACT is often more important than your high school grades!

What is ACT super score?

What is a superscore? Your superscore is the average of your best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts. Your superscore is never lower than a single Composite score.

Do colleges see how many times you have taken the ACT?

Can colleges see how many times you take the ACT? They can only see what you send them. Though there are a few colleges that ask you send all your scores.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 34?

After getting to know you better, they'll be able to recommend a list of schools for further research. Even if you're applying to the Ivy League institutions, there isn't an incredible need to retake the ACT. An ACT score of 34 lands you solidly in their average acceptance area.

What's the lowest ACT score to get into college?

What is the lowest ACT score a college will accept? 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.

Do colleges look more at ACT or SAT?

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.

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!

What are three ways colleges use your ACT score?

Colleges use the ACT in two ways: (1) to get a broad idea of your academic abilities, and (2) as a way to compare you to the other students in their applicant pool. Don't forget: The ACT is a standardized test. This means that your ACT score can be used to compare you to students in the rest of the country.

Which ACT scores should I send to colleges?

Most colleges will consider only your highest composite ACT. Some colleges will consider only your superscore, the average of your four highest sub-scores, even if they occur on different tests. So pick four schools that interest you; they'll appreciate your interest and start marketing to you.

Should I Superscore my ACT?

Keep your best section scores, and use your best overall score. The ACT Superscore is beneficial because it takes the average of the four best subject scores from each ACT test attempt—and counts it as your official score.

Do colleges look at Superscore ACT?

Do they consider Math, Science, Reading, and English individually, or do they care more about the composite score? You might be relieved to hear that many colleges "superscore" your ACT scores by taking the best subscores across all your test dates and creating the strongest possible composite score.

Should I send my ACT Superscore to colleges?

You should send an individual or ACT superscore to colleges well before any application deadline. This strategy ensures college admissions counselors receive a complete application portfolio as soon as possible. You can keep track of deadlines and application materials by creating a spreadsheet.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.