Why did I score so low on the ACT?

Did You Practice? 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.

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?

Why did my ACT score drop so much?

Very Large Drops (More than 5 Composite Points)

A very serious issue is occurring if your score drops by this much. Maybe something was egregiously wrong with your test center, you filled in answers one line off for a whole section, or you were particularly sick or unfocused.

What happens if I score lower on the ACT?

If you do worse, you can simply submit the higher score from a previous test. Some colleges (e.g., The Ivy League) require you to submit all of your ACT scores to assess your academic growth. In this case, too many retakes may impact you negatively, especially if your scores don't improve.

Can I get into a university with a low ACT score?

If a student has a low ACT score but a high GPA, some colleges may still consider the student for admission if the GPA is strong enough to demonstrate their academic abilities. In these cases, colleges may also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays.

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

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 17 a low ACT score?

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

What is considered a bad ACT score?

In other words, to be above average nationally, you need at least a 21 ACT composite score. Any composite 16 or lower is in the bottom 25%. If you score below 16 or lower on the ACT, your score is definitely in the very low range nationwide.

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.

Can retaking the ACT hurt your score?

As referenced earlier, retesting at least once is associated with increases in average Composite scores when comparing first and second test instances.

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 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.

Why is the ACT flawed?

How is the ACT biased? Race, class and gender biases give White, affluent, and male test-takers an unfair edge. ACT scores are directly related to family income: the richer students' parents are, the higher are average scores.

Why am I smart but bad at ACT?

Why Do Smart People Not Always Score Well on Standardized Tests? Getting good grades in school does not automatically translate to doing well on standardized exams because these exams are often quite different from tests you take in school. Unlike most school exams, standardized tests: Cover multiple subjects.

Is it normal to feel like you did bad on the ACT?

It's natural to feel a bit disappointed after scoring lower than expected on the ACT. It's important, though, to keep your exam in perspective. You choose which ACT score to send to colleges—reassure yourself that with a study plan in place, your goal ACT score can be achieved.

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.

Can I get into Harvard with a 28 ACT?

While Harvard does not require ACT scores, students admitted to the university typically score very high on the exam. The composite range for first-year students is 34 to 36, while 75 percent of all new students scored at least a 33.

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 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.

Has anyone gotten 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.

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.

What to do if you fail the ACT?

Currently, students cannot retake specific sections of the ACT, but they can earn a superscore. Focus on where you can improve while studying for your next attempt, then use your best subject scores from each ACT test attempt to create an official ACT Superscore. Learn more about the benefits of superscoring.

Is a 13 on ACT bad?

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 21 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 21 a good ACT score? A 21 ACT score puts you right at the national average, making you eligible to apply to a number of schools. It offers you a slight competitive edge, but won't make you competitive for most selective schools.