What to do if you get a bad ACT score?

When Can You Retake the ACT? Students wishing to retake the ACT can sign up for any National ACT test. Before the next test attempt, we strongly recommend that students review previous test scores and create a study plan to improve their scores. Check out ACT's free test prep resources.

What to do if you got a bad ACT score?

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.

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 a 14 on my ACT bad?

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.

17-Year-Old With Perfect ACT Score Shares Test-Taking Tips

Is 27 an OK ACT score?

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! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

Is a 27 bad on the ACT?

Is 27 ACT Score Good? 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.

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 37 a good ACT score?

So, to recap, compared to all test-takers:

ACT score of 24+ = top 25% ACT score of 29+ = top 10% ACT of 31+ = top 5% ACT score of 35+ = top 1% of test-takers.

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.

Should I worry about my ACT score?

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.

What is a failing grade on the ACT?

There's no passing score on the ACT, nor a standard that makes a score “good.” You do have several ways to evaluate your score to give you a better sense of how you did.

What's 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.

Should I submit a bad ACT score?

Even if you're generally satisfied with your SAT/ACT scores, if they fall well below your school's middle 50% range, it may be better to withhold them so they don't count against you in the admissions process.

Is it normal to fail the ACT?

Well, the truth is that you can't actually fail the SATs or the ACTs, but you can certainly feel like you've failed after getting a low score. Maybe the score you were looking for to get into your top choice isn't what you got. Maybe you had a bad test day, and know you can do better next time.

Why am I not good at ACT?

There could be a few reasons for this. The ACT measures different skills than your GPA, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. Additionally, test-taking anxiety or unfamiliarity with the format of the ACT could also impact your scores.

Is 13 a good 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.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Admissions Summary

Harvard College is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 3%. Students that get into Harvard College have an ACT score of 34–36*.

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.

Is 15 a passing ACT score?

Basically, if you're looking to submit your ACT scores to colleges, 15 is a good baseline to start from. And to help broaden your perspective, here are even more numbers if you have even more specific goals: The average ACT score: The current national average ACT score is a 21.

Is the ACT harder than 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.

Can I get into Harvard with a 27 ACT?

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. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points?

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.