Why is your ACT score so important to colleges?

Colleges use ACT scores to place you in the right classes at the right level. And, your ACT score can help you place out of remedial coursework rather than sitting for additional placement tests on campus — saving time and money! Learn more about classes to take in high school.

How important are ACT scores for college?

Getting a high ACT score can increase your chances of getting into selective colleges. In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.

What are the 2 main reasons to take the ACT?

The ACT is a good value because it offers a college admissions test, college course placement, and a career planning component for one modest fee. And you can make yourself visible to colleges and scholarship agencies across the country by taking the ACT.

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!

What are three ways colleges use your ACT score?

The Importance of your SAT/ACT score for college admissions.

Do colleges care about your ACT score?

College admission tests like the SAT and ACT are standardized tests typically taken in your junior or senior year. Colleges use scores from these tests to help them make admission decisions. Each college has its own admission processes and policies, and they use scores differently.

Do colleges look more at ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

What if I have a high GPA but low ACT scores?

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.

Is a score of 19 on the ACT good?

Ultimately, this means most students will perform in the average range. So, a lower number of test takers will fall on either extreme of the curve. The average ACT score is 19. Therefore, earning this score means you performed within the 50th percentile of test takers.

What ACT score do most colleges want?

Good ACT Scores for Popular Colleges

Schools vary considerably in the kinds of ACT scores they look for in applicants. Less selective institutions tend to accept scores closer to the National average of 21, whereas more competitive universities often prefer scores in the 32-36 range.

Is the ACT actually important?

The ACT could help you save thousands on tuition.

Taking the ACT test can increase your chances of earning new or better scholarships. One counselor found that over 10 years, more of her students earned more scholarship dollars with ACT scores than SAT scores. Learn more about paying for college.

Why is the ACT so important?

Even if a school is test optional, having a strong test score will boost your application and help you stand out from the crowd. If you decide not to take the ACT, it can limit the colleges you're able to apply to and cause you to lose out on a chance to make your application even more impressive.

Why are ACT scores important?

The ACT score report provides information about a student's educational needs, extracurricular achievements, and educational plans. This information, along with high school grades and test scores, helps the agencies evaluate applications for scholarships, loans, and other financial assistance.

Will not submitting ACT scores hurt?

If scores are not sent, the school simply bases their admission decision off the rest of the application. Test optional schools will not look negatively upon students who choose to not submit test scores. They are “test optional” for a reason, so no need to worry about that.

Is a 17 on ACT bad?

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.

Does the ACT predict college success?

Nevertheless, the SAT and ACT yield scores that predict performance in the college classroom. Correlations between scores on the tests and college grade point average (GPA) are typically in the . 30–. 50 range (Kuncel and Hezlett 2007; Sackett et al.

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 ...

What's a failing ACT 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.

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 okay to do bad on your first ACT?

Don't give too much importance to your first real SAT or ACT. Most students perform a lot better when they take the test again—in fact, it's a rare student who only needs to take the test once!

Does a bad ACT score matter?

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.

Which test do colleges prefer?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is harder than the other.

Do elite colleges prefer SAT or ACT?

That's a myth.

Elite colleges and universities DO NOT prefer the SAT over the ACT. Roughly 45% choose the ACT and 55% the SAT of all university applicants. The popularity of the two is split nearly down the middle (give or take a few percentage points).

Why ACT is preferred over SAT?

However, the ACT goes a step further by offering an optional essay component that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities. Additionally, the ACT also includes a science section, making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields.