Is the ACT pointless?

Both tests are considered by most colleges a valid assessment. However, other sources beg to differ. These dissenting sources would most likely support the view that standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, should be abolished because they lack reliability, perfectly consistent administration, and content validity.

Is there a point in taking the ACT?

The ACT is a good value because it offers a college admissions test, college course placement, and a career planning component for one modest fee. And you can make yourself visible to colleges and scholarship agencies across the country by taking the ACT.

Does the ACT actually matter?

Do the SAT and ACT actually matter? I think the answer is – it depends. Elite colleges might consider these test scores more important, and a high score on this test is likely to open scholarship opportunities at a wide variety of colleges.

Why is the ACT pointless?

The ACT was developed as an alternative to the SAT, but is just a different test, not a better one. Like the SAT, the ACT has long-standing problems of bias, inaccuracy, coachability, and misuse. Because of these flaws, no test – neither the ACT nor SAT – should be required in the college admissions process.

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.

Why You Should Take the ACT®

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.

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 bad if I don't take the ACT?

If you choose not to take the SAT/ACT exam in high school, you may limit your options for college admissions. Many colleges and universities require SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions process.

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!

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.

Is a 13 on the ACT bad?

ACT Test Score Ranges

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.

How bad is a 28 on the ACT?

Looking at this from that percentage angle, an ACT score of 28 puts you at the 88th percentile — that means you scored higher than 88% of all test takers, of which there are nearly 2 million. All that considered, a 28 is definitely a good score! Congratulations!

Is a 27 bad on the ACT?

A 27 ACT score puts you at the 85th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 85% of test takers.

Is a 37 on the ACT good?

A score of 24 means you've scored better than about 78% of students. A 28 means you've scored better than 90% of students, and a 30 means you've scored better than 94% of them! Anything 34 or above is in the 99th percentile—a truly phenomenal score.

Is it easy to get a 35 on the ACT?

35 on the ACT is equal to 99%. So, this means you need to be a topper in the class to have a 35 on the ACT. 36 ACT is considered as 100% or full marks in all subjects. So, you can easily understand how competitive a 35 ACT score is.

Is the ACT harder than the 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.

Should I retake ACT if I get 35?

Is 35 a good ACT score? Yes! The highest score available is 36, making 35 a very good score. You're eligible to apply as a competitive candidate to every college, as well as accumulate a significant amount of merit aid.

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.

Is 23 a low in ACT?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges.

Can you get into university without taking the ACT?

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 graduate without taking the ACT?

TL;DR answer: Yes. Longer answer: Most US high schools don't require the SAT or ACT; those are generally for those who intend to attend college, which many students do not. Furthermore, many colleges no longer require the ACT and SAT.

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.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Aim for a 1580 SAT and 36 ACT (the 75th percentile)

The middle 50% of Harvard's class of 2025 earned SAT scores of 1480-1580 and ACT scores of 33-36. Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, the higher in the range you score, the better your odds of admission are.

Has anyone 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.

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.