How important is ACT score for college?

Colleges use ACT scores to place you in the right classes at the right level. And, your ACT score can help you place out of remedial coursework rather than sitting for additional placement tests on campus — saving time and money!

Do colleges care about ACT scores?

All colleges that consider test scores in 2023 accept both the ACT and SAT for admissions and don't discriminate based on which test applicants take. The biggest reason why you might think a college prefers one test is that a college typically receives more of one test than the other.

What is considered a good ACT score for college?

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a “good” ACT score is generally considered to be above the national average, which was 19.8 as of 2022. However, keep in mind that top-tier colleges and universities tend to have higher expectations, often looking for ACT scores in the 27-32 range or higher.

Is GPA or ACT score more important?

A GPA has always been an important part of the university admissions process in the United States. According to a 2020 study, high school GPA is a better predictor of college graduation than ACT scores.

Is ACT a good predictor of college success?

The study determined that both a student's ACT score and their high school GPA (HSGPA) effectively predicted long-term success during college. Overall, they found that ACT scores were a more accurate predictor, and that ACT benchmarks also provided compelling evidence.

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Does your ACT score really matter?

Many colleges and universities use ACT and SAT scores as part of their admissions decision process. Admissions officers may use test scores to assess a student's academic preparedness and potential for success at their institution.

Is a 28 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

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.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

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*.

What is the lowest ACT score to get into college?

Colleges generally consider a minimum ACT score of 12 for admission. Scores below this threshold may pose challenges in the admission process, impacting your chances of acceptance.

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. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score.

What is a low 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.

Should I retake ACT if I got a 31?

The primary reason for retaking the ACT at this level would be to become more competitive for Ivy League institutions, which most commonly accept an average score between 32-35. If you're in your senior year, it becomes much more difficult to retake with enough time to get scores for college applications.

Do colleges look more at ACT or SAT?

You may have heard that colleges in some states prefer the ACT while others gravitate towards the 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.

Do colleges look for ACT or SAT?

The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other.

Is the ACT harder 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.

Has anyone ever 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.

Can you apply to college without ACT scores?

Do You Need to Take the SAT or ACT to Get Into College? Not all schools require candidates to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission. In recent years, many admissions departments have revised their requirements for standardized admission tests, shifting to test-optional or test-blind policies.

Can I go to college with a 13 ACT score?

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.

How rare is a 36 ACT?

Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.25% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. 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.

Is a 36 ACT impressive?

A 36 ACT score puts you at the 100th percentile, meaning you scored higher or as high as all test takers.

What is the easiest college to get into?

Is 18 on 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 19 a bad 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.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 28?

There's no pressure to retake the ACT with a score of 28. The one primary reason a student would retake the ACT at this juncture would be if their ideal school wants a point or two higher. Otherwise, you're eligible for merit aid and are competitive at a wide variety of schools, so retaking it isn't necessary.