What happens if I get a low ACT score?

If you're close to the bottom end of the range, it doesn't mean it's impossible for you to get into that school. Colleges may accept students with lower ACT scores for any number of reasons — they might consider students strong applicants if they have a high GPA or impressive community service experience.

What happens if you score low on ACT?

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.

What to do if you got a bad score on the ACT?

You can take the ACT up to twelve times.

If you get a lower score on your second attempt at the test, don't panic. Take some time to study and sign up to take it again. Think of ways to improve your next test.

Do colleges accept low ACT scores?

What is the lowest ACT score colleges will accept? 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 it possible to get a 1 on the ACT?

The test itself is scored on a scale from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 36, compiled from four primary sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each individual section is scored in one-point increments, so it is possible to receive a 1, a 2, a 3, and so on, all the way up to a 36 in each subject.

What happens if your student gets a low SAT score?

Is a 28 bad on ACT?

With a score of 28, you are in the 91st percentile of all test takers. 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.

Has anyone ever got a 0 on the ACT?

The average composite ACT score ranges on a scale of 1-36. So lowest possible score you can score is 1.

Is 14 a low ACT score?

Below Average ACT Scores

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.

Is 15 a bad ACT score?

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.

Is 27 a low 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. The exception may be the Ivy League where the score required may be higher than 30 on average.

Why is my ACT score so low?

You're Not Spacing Out Your Study Sessions Enough

While it's great you're so dedicated to studying and performing well on the ACT, you might be hurting your score. If you're spending every free moment of your time feverishly reviewing materials, you've bought yourself a one-way ticket to burnout-town.

Is an 16 ACT score failing?

In terms of benchmarks for ACT score percentiles, a score of 16 places you at the 35th percentile, meaning you've scored better than about a third of test-takers. This isn't a very strong score. We've already noted that a 19 is an average ACT score, at the 50th percentile.

Does a bad ACT score hurt you?

(Read more about how many students get a 36 ACT every year and how their admissions chances are improved.) So to recap, any ACT score below 33 will lower your chances at the most selective schools. And any score below a 30 is decidedly low for top colleges.

Should I submit a low ACT score?

If the other components of your college application are limited (maybe personal essays aren't your strong suit), you should consider submitting your SAT/ACT scores if they fall somewhere within the school's middle 50% — even if they're on the lower end.

Is there a minimum ACT score?

In 2022, some 36 percent of high school graduates were projected to take the ACT. The minimum score on the ACT is 1 and maximum score is 36.

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.

Is a 1200 ACT score good?

For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...

Is 18 a decent ACT score?

The average ACT hovers just below 21, at a 20.9, making that a great benchmark for all college-bound students. Several colleges will accept an ACT score of 18, but not as many as we'd typically like to see. Re-taking the test and aiming for the 21 score would be ideal.

How good is 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.

Is 10 a bad ACT score?

10 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 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.

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is a 27 ACT Score (85th Percentile) Good? 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!

Is a 19 on the ACT bad?

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.

How rare is a 1 on the ACT?

1 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1895661 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 0 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1507 schools with this score.

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.

What's a good ACT score for a junior?

Good ACT scores are the key to getting into the college of your dreams! But what is a good score? For most students, scoring above average, 21 or higher, is a good score. For those applying to elite colleges, scores in the 93rd percentile (30+) or even the 98th percentile (33+) are good scores.