Is the ACT actually important?

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.

Does your ACT score really matter?

One big piece of this process continues to be the standardized SAT and ACT exams. Of all the factors impacting a school's acceptance, we believe these test scores make up approximately 30% of the overall decision. However, they are extremely important for being awarded scholarship money.

Do you really need to take the ACT?

If you're wondering "do you have to take the ACT?" know that the answer will highly depend on your own circumstances. You might need to take the ACT for college applications, because your state or high school requires it, for enrichment programs you're applying to, or for financial aid or scholarships.

Do colleges really care about the ACT?

The short answer: No. 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.

Is the ACT important anymore?

In conclusion, while the importance of the ACT and SAT exams may vary depending on the college or university, it's still essential to consider these exams as part of the college admissions and financial aid process.

ACT Tips & Tricks that ACTUALLY work (minimal studying) in 2024

Is it OK to not take the ACT?

Even if all of the colleges you apply to end up being test-optional, you should still consider taking the SAT or ACT. Test optional can be a very misleading term, and it is important to understand that not sending test scores to test-optional colleges can hurt your chances of admission.

Is it okay to not finish the ACT?

What happens if you don't finish/skip a section on the ACT? Not finishing a section may affect your score for that section; however, skipping a section can prevent your test from being graded.

Do universities prefer 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.

Does Harvard look at ACT?

Harvard, like the rest of the Ivy League and most other colleges, prefers that you have either an SAT score or ACT score for admission. In the past few years, Harvard has been test-optional, but Harvard certainly prefers applicants that have test scores.

Is the ACT easier 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.

Can you get a 36 on the ACT without studying?

Students may choose not to prepare due to the mindset that these exams are just like any other standardized test. Very rarely, a student earns a good score on the SAT/ACT without preparation. However, it is an unlikely reality for the vast majority of high school students.

Is it OK to take the ACT and not the SAT?

Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT and express no preference for either test. That said, significant percentages of students at selective colleges are submitting scores from both tests when they apply.

What happens if I didn't take the ACT?

If a student does not test on the registered test date, the student may apply the used fee waiver toward a future test date registration fee but will need to pay the associated change fee.

Is a 17 A BAD ACT score?

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

Is 27 a decent ACT score?

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! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

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.

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.

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 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.

Why do people prefer SAT over ACT?

"So if you're not as strong of a reader or you're less focused, the SAT could be better for you," he says. "The paradox is that the average question on the ACT is easier, but you just get so much less time per question, and that's what makes the ACT challenging."

What is the highest ACT score?

The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. The current average ACT score is 19.5. A "good" ACT score depends on the colleges and universities you are considering.

How many times can you take the ACT?

If you're not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the ACT. ACT Inc., which administers the exam, lets you take the test up to 12 times, though it's best to take it no more than 2-3 times.

Is a 3 on the ACT bad?

3 ACT Score Standings

You can apply to 1 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1506 schools with this score.

Is the ACT being phased out?

In March 2022, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes. The decision followed the nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic when submitting those test scores was not required for CSU applicants.

Is 4 times too many to take the ACT?

You can take the ACT up to 12 times, and many students end up taking the test between 2-3 times before applying to college. Most colleges are neutral about multiple scores.