Why is the ACT average so low?

High school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student preparedness for college-level coursework, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test.

Why are ACT scores going down?

“What's unfortunate, we have tests from 20 years ago that were much more difficult,” she said. “So the tests have gotten easier, and the scores continue to go down.”

Is 35.5 on the ACT good?

Keep in mind, too, that although a 36 composite is considered perfect, a composite score of 34 or higher is already in the 99th percentile of test takers. In other words, if you get a 34+, you've done better than 99% of students who've taken the ACT. That's a great accomplishment!

Is 27 a decent ACT score?

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!

What is the lowest score ever 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.

Who Has The Highest SAT Score? | Ranking

Is 14 a bad ACT score?

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 13 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.

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?

Is 32 a good English ACT score?

All that considered, yes, 32 is a good ACT score. To show you just how good, we have to look at the percentiles. A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile — that means you scored higher than 97% all test takers!

Is a 35 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

Is a 35 ACT good enough for Ivy League? A score of 35 is within the average range for first-year students at Ivy League institutions. However, a high ACT score alone probably won't be enough to get in.

Should I retake ACT if I get 35?

An ACT score of 35 is a demonstration of excellence in all academic fields at the high school level. There's no pressing reason to retake the ACT, especially with a score so close to perfect. If you're a junior, take a look at your total college application package—GPA, extracurriculars, and ACT scores.

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.

Should I retake ACT with a 28?

There's no pressure to retake the ACT with a score of 28. The one primary reason a student would retake the ACT at this juncture would be if their ideal school wants a point or two higher. Otherwise, you're eligible for merit aid and are competitive at a wide variety of schools, so retaking it isn't necessary.

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 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.

What ACT score does UK want?

Admissions Summary

University of Kentucky is not selective with an acceptance rate of 95%. Students that get into University of Kentucky have an SAT score between 1080–1280* or an ACT score of 21–28*. Regular applications are due February 15.

Can I get into Harvard with a 32 ACT?

Average ACT score for Harvard University (With Writing)

The average ACT score for students who get accepted into Harvard is between 32 and 35. This is well above the national average of 21.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 32?

With a 32 ACT score, you're already strongly competitive for these schools. You're very likely to get admitted if you apply. If you improve your ACT score, your Safety Schools will get better and better.

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

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.

What's the lowest ACT score Harvard has accepted?

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.

What is the lowest ACT score that Harvard accepts?

Even though Harvard likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 34 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 34 and above that a 34 will look academically weak.

Will a 36 ACT get me 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 ACT 18 bad?

A composite score of 18 on the ACT is below the national average and may not be considered competitive for many colleges and universities. However, it's important to consider that admissions decisions are based on a variety of factors, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Is a 9 on the ACT bad?

With a 9 ACT score, you're already strongly competitive for these schools. You're very likely to get admitted if you apply. If you improve your ACT score, your Safety Schools will get better and better.

Is a 7 on the ACT bad?

7 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.