What happens if you have a high GPA but low ACT score?

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.

Is ACT score more important than GPA?

A GPA has always been an important part of the university admissions process in the United States. According to a 2020 study, high school GPA is a better predictor of college graduation than ACT scores.

What if you have a good GPA but bad ACT score?

Can a High GPA Make Up for a Low Test Score? Yes, to some extent, a high GPA can make up for a lower test score. Universities and colleges are increasingly looking at the entire profile of the student rather than a single metric.

Do colleges care more about GPA or ACT scores?

Although college admissions officers often say that they give much more weight to a student's GPA, even they will admit that your ACT score is of considerable importance. Here's what they won't tell you: your ACT is often more important than your high school grades!

Can you still go to college with a low ACT score?

What is the lowest ACT score colleges will accept? The lowest ACT score that colleges will accept is 12. If you have a score below 12, you might face some difficulties getting in.

What If Your Student Has a Low GPA ☹ & High Test Score 😁

Is 14 a good 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 19 a good ACT score?

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. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.

Why is my ACT score so low?

If you never practiced for the ACT, that is probably the issue. The ACT is a very fast test. You need to know the ACT test format before taking the ACT so that the format will not slow you down. Learn about ACT scoring, the length of the ACT test, and the ACT test instructions.

How many colleges accept an 18 ACT score?

18 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1225478 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 113 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1394 schools with this score.

What to do if you get a bad ACT score?

What is the lowest ACT score at Harvard?

The average ACT score of Harvard-accepted students is 33. Although Harvard claims there is no minimum ACT score, if you apply with a 29 or lower, you'll have difficulty getting in. So, to get into Harvard, it is important to note the different Harvard University requirements for test scores.

Is it OK to have a low ACT score?

Ultimately, a low ACT score for a particular college is a score that won't get you in. Schools don't tend to publish hard ACT score minimums, but they do offer information about the ACT scores of their students. We can use current students' scores to infer what scores colleges expect from applicants.

What is a failing ACT score?

(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.

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.

Is a 2.7 GPA in college bad?

According to statistics, the average student maintains a B average throughout their college career. This is equivalent to a 3.0 GPA. We should now have a fundamental understanding of what a 3.0 GPA is. A 2.7 GPA indicates that you are a below-average student since it generally equates to a B- grade.

Does your ACT score really matter?

Most colleges report publicly the average SAT and ACT score of their freshmen class. The higher the average the more prestigious they appear. Colleges care deeply about increasing their reputation and exclusivity, and test scores are a key way they can accomplish this.

What is the average ACT score for the first try?

The average ACT score for first-time test-takers is around 20.

What is the lowest ACT score to get into college?

What is the lowest ACT score a college will accept? 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.

Is 33 a bad ACT score?

A 33 puts you at the 98th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 98% of all test takers!

Is a 14 ACT score bad?

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. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.

How bad is a 12 ACT score?

12 ACT Score Standings

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 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 13 a bad 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 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.