What happens if you get a low score on the ACT?

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.

What happens if you score low on ACT?

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.

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.

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.

What's the lowest score you can get on an ACT?

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.

What happens if your student gets a low SAT score?

Is 1200 a good ACT score?

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 a 14 ACT score bad?

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 17 ACT score?

17 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1359515 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 64 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1443 schools with this score.

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.

Is GPA or ACT score more important?

Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college. In fact, researchers found that GPA was five times better at making this prediction when compared to the ACT. Another study showed that grades were a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.

What if my ACT score is low but my GPA is high?

Course Rigor: Colleges also consider the rigor of the courses you took in high school. If you have a high GPA in challenging courses, such as honors or AP classes, it demonstrates that you're prepared for college-level work even if your standardized test scores aren't as high.

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 18 on ACT bad?

Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.

Why am I scoring so low on the ACT?

You Haven't Been Studying Effectively

Effective studying can look different depending on how you learn best. However, if your ACT scores aren't improving, poor study habits may be the culprit. Are you multitasking while you study?

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 a 13 bad for ACT?

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.

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.

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 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.

Is the ACT or SAT harder?

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.

Is 22 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 22 a good ACT score? A 22 ACT score is above the national average score of 21, making you eligible to apply as a good candidate to many colleges.

Is a 12 on ACT good?

If your ACT score is 16 or higher, you're in the top 20% of students who take the ACT. If it's between 15 and 17, you're in the top 25%. Between 12 and 15, you're in the top 30%. And below 12, you're definitely not going to get into any good colleges!

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.