Why are ACT scores dropping?

ACT college admissions test scores fall to 30-year low among U.S. students Scores have fallen for six consecutive years, and the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average scores in reading, science and math showed test-takers weren't ready for college.

Why did ACT scores drop?

According to her and others like Vera Murphy Trayner, the owner of Veritas College Counseling, one of the big factors leading to the lower scores is COVID 19. The class of 2023 is the first class to go through high school from the start of the pandemic.

Why does my ACT score keep going down?

Why do scores drop? Very often a lower score is not the result of a major issue, but a combination of smaller factors. For starters, every ACT exam is different. The overall subject matter, layout, and style will remain consistent, but the specific questions and passages will change from test to test.

Why test scores are dropping?

A national study in the U.S. last year found math scores fell by more than ever, with reading scores dropping to 1992 levels. There's no doubt the disruption of the pandemic was a major factor in the global setbacks.

Have ACT test scores dropped to lowest levels in more than 30 years?

American high school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than 30 years. The average score of students who completed high school in 2023 was 19.5 out of a possible 36. Last year, students averaged 19.8. The average score dropped for the sixth straight year.

ACT scores drop to new 30-year low, SAT scores drop as well

Is the ACT harder than 20 years ago?

Relatively speaking, the ACT has gotten “harder” over the years. As students start to do better on ACT, the test-makers gradually adjust the difficulty level of the test. And students have gotten better. In 1970, the average composite score nationwide was 18.6.

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 is considered a low ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

What is the average ACT score in the US?

The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. The current average ACT score is 19.5.

What is the lowest score on the ACT test?

The absolute minimum ACT score you can get is a 1, although this is very unlikely to happen.

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.

How often are ACT scores wrong?

Summary. It's very rare for ACT, Inc. to send incorrect ACT scores, but it does happen. If you are surprised by how low your ACT scores are, there is a process you can go through to get your scores verified, but be aware the chances of your scores changing is very small.

What if I think my ACT score is wrong?

If you think there is an error (on any information other than your test scores), write to ACT Customer Support—Score Reports at the above address within three months of receiving your score report. Enclose a photocopy or printed pdf of your Student Report describing the error and the change you are requesting.

What is average ACT score 2023?

Scores on the ACT college admissions test fell to a 30-year low in 2023. The average composite score on the exam fell 0.3 points to 19.5 compared with 19.8 last year, according to the nonprofit group that administers the exam.

Is ACT losing money?

The revenues generated by ACT Inc. from educational assessment and work-force development — a category that includes the ACT exam — declined by nearly $100 million during just the fiscal year that ended on August 31, 2020.

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 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

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.

What ACT score is top 1%?

On the ACT, 34 and up is the 99th percentile.

So if you score 34 or higher, you're in the top 1% of test takers!

Will colleges accept a 14 ACT score?

14 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1685032 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 4 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1503 schools with this score.

Is 19 a bad 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.

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 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.

Do colleges look more at GPA or ACT?

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.

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 is ACT Math so hard?

The ACT Math section covers many math concepts, including algebra and trigonometry, which can trip up test-takers. And while the SAT provides common math formulas for its Math section, the ACT does not — meaning it's up to you to memorize all potential formulas.