Should I share my ACT scores 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.

Should you send your ACT scores to colleges?

If a university claims they are “test optional,” applicants can send in their standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores for consideration with their application. However, they are not required to send in their standardized test scores.

Do colleges still care about ACT scores?

Though many four-year colleges and universities in the United States require ACT or SAT scores for admission, these days, many do not. Colleges that don't require ACT scores are known as "test-optional" schools.

Do I need to send official test scores to colleges?

Yes. Institutions generally require you to send your scores directly from the College Board and will not accept printouts or copies of your score reports or school transcripts that include your scores.

Do colleges look at GPA or ACT scores more?

Although the ACT is given a lot of weight, the GPA is still a huge component of your application. It is the only piece of numerical data that can reveal hard work, self-discipline, and consistency. Together with your transcript, your GPA can show improvement over time and intellectual growth.

Sending ACT Scores

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.

Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT?

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 you do submit scores, they'll be reviewed, but if you don't, you won't be penalized and other components of your application will simply be weighted more to take the place of the test scores.

Should you self report ACT scores on Common App?

Regardless of when you apply, do NOT self-report SAT/ACT scores on the Testing page of your Common App for the colleges where you indicate that you don't want your scores considered. However, you'll need to remember to self-report your scores for colleges where you want your scores to be considered.

Should I submit ACT or SAT scores?

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. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

What ACT score do most colleges accept?

Colleges consider a range of ACT scores when making admissions decisions, giving students some flexibility. Commonly, students with scores in the range of 20-23 are still considered competitive at many mid-tier colleges. For more selective schools, a score in the 24-28 range will increase your chances of admission.

Do ACT scores matter anymore?

Even as many colleges extend their test-optional admissions policies another year, the ACT and SAT still can greatly affect merit-based scholarships and college admissions. Test optional really is only for those excited to pay full price. JUMPING THAT SCORE remains the best-paying job a high school student can have.

Do colleges take ACT seriously?

The ACT is Accepted

So you can rest easy knowing that if you take the ACT, you do not need to take the SAT to get into college. In terms of nominal legitimacy, the ACT is equal to or even above the SAT. Universities will accept ACT takers universally.

How do I not send my ACT scores to colleges?

All you need to do is log into your MyACT account and delete the college score recipients. This option will guarantee that no college receives your scores unless decided otherwise by you in the future. Note that you can delete or edit the list of colleges until the Thursday after your ACT test.

When should you not submit ACT scores?

High SAT/ACT scores can boost your admission chances, especially at highly selective schools. Some test-optional colleges require standardized tests to award merit-based aid. Consider withholding your scores if they fall well below your school's middle 50% range.

Do colleges verify self reported scores?

A: Most colleges allow applicants to self-report test scores on their applications. Colleges that allow self-reporting do still require official score reports—which you'll submit only if you are admitted and choose to enroll at that college—in order to prevent false reporting.

Should I submit a 32 ACT score?

A 32 makes you eligible to apply, but it doesn't make you the most competitive candidate. Falling in the 25th percentile of what they accept, a 32 is still a good score to apply with, but most students they accept fall in the 34-35 range, which makes up their 75th percentile.

Should I submit a 29 ACT score?

There's no pressing need to retake the ACT with a score of 29, unless your ideal school would like to see a higher score. The only schools that require a score higher than 29 are typically very competitive, making them difficult to gain admittance to, even for qualified students.

Should I submit a 34 ACT score?

There's no need to retake the ACT with a score of 34. A 34 makes you eligible and competitive for all colleges and universities, which is the goal! For juniors, remember that most colleges weigh ACT scores and GPA about equally.

Why do colleges not Superscore the ACT?

Some colleges choose not to superscore in an attempt to keep application costs down for students applying to their school.

What makes a strong college application essay?

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.

How many ACT scores should I send?

Students can select up to four colleges to send ACT scores to at the time of registration. These four score reports are included in the basic registration fee. However, if students utilize this option, they will not be able to view their scores before the score reports are sent to those four colleges.

Is 19 a good ACT score?

The average ACT score is 19. Therefore, earning this score means you performed within the 50th percentile of test takers.