Is ACT score more important than GPA?

You know that your ACT and GPA scores both matter. But does one figure reign supreme? Contrary to the claims of many college admissions officers, one score does seem to matter more than the other. While your GPA plays an important role, most schools will place greater importance on your ACT score.

Which is more important GPA or ACT?

When it comes to the GPA and the ACT, students often wonder which one is more important. 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.

Can a good ACT score make up for a low GPA?

A good ACT score can make a big difference—especially if you're hoping to make up for a lower GPA. If you can improve your ACT score by even a couple of points, you could get a big leg up over other applicants.

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.

Does an ACT score affect your GPA?

The simple answer is yes, a high SAT/ACT score can make up for a low GPA. Because your Academic Index is based on grades and test scores, a strong performance on the SAT or ACT can buoy a disappointing GPA.

Your SAT Score vs. Your GPA: What's More Important?

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

While your GPA and transcript are very important, your low ACT score may make an admissions officer question if your grades were “inflated” (which some teachers do) or ask if you took easy classes. They may think that your low ACT score is a better signifier of how prepared you are for higher education.

Is 29 a bad ACT score?

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. That's a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud!

Do ACT scores really 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.

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.

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 14 a low 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.

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.

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 important is your ACT score?

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 only look at your highest ACT score?

Colleges that superscore the ACT will look at your highest individual test scores and calculate a new, composite score across all your test dates. Your ACT Superscore is the average of your highest Math, Science, Reading and English test scores.

Do colleges look at your best ACT score?

Colleges don't take the average of your scores. Instead, they will look at your “best” score; however, there are multiple ways a school can determine your best ACT score.

Do elite colleges prefer SAT or ACT?

That's a myth.

Elite colleges and universities DO NOT prefer the SAT over the ACT. Roughly 45% choose the ACT and 55% the SAT of all university applicants. The popularity of the two is split nearly down the middle (give or take a few percentage points).

Does Harvard prefer SAT or ACT?

Harvard has no preference between the SAT and ACT, so choose the test that's a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times. The range of SAT scores and ACT composite scores for students admitted to Harvard varies.

What is the highest ACT score?

The highest possible score you can earn on the ACT is 36 (on a scale of 1-36). This 36 is a composite, or average, of your four subject area scores—English, Reading, Math, and Science.

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 20 a decent 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 30 ACT score good or bad?

Is a 30 ACT Score (93rd Percentile) Good? A 30 ACT score makes you eligible to apply at the vast majority of colleges, makes you eligible for merit aid, and also makes you a competitive applicant at many institutions. Because of all this, a 30 ACT score is definitely considered good!

Can you get into Harvard with a 29 ACT?

The average ACT score of Harvard-accepted students is 33. Although Harvard claims there is no minimum ACT score, if you apply with a 29 or lower, you'll have difficulty getting in.

Will a 27 on the ACT get you scholarships?

Various scholarships for in-state and out-of-state applicants, ranging between $8,000 to $60,000 for four academic years. The minimum requirements for the smallest scholarship are a combination of a 24-27 ACT/1160-1290 SAT and either a 3.25 GPA or top 10% class rank.