When you’re applying to college, you want to know how you compare to other applicants at your dream schools. One factor colleges consider is your standardized test scores. Although many colleges have transitioned to test-optional in recent years, a good score on a test like the ACT can still have a significant effect on your chances of admission.
But what is a good ACT score? The answer will depend on your goals and your definition of “good.” We’ve broken down the different factors to consider, so you can decide for yourself.
According to the National Norms for ACT Test Scores Reported During the 2021-2022 Reporting Year , ACT composite scores correlate to the following percentiles (with the 99th percentile indicating that you performed better than 99 percent of test-takers). These are the most up-to-date percentiles.
The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks indicate a student’s “reasonable chance of success” in a credit-bearing, first-year college course at a typical institution. The ACT offers Benchmarks in six core subject areas linked to performance on corresponding ACT test scores. This year’s Benchmarks are as follows:
ACT Test Score
College Courses
English Composition I
American History, Other History, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics
Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering
English Composition I, American History, Other History, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics
Basically, if you meet these benchmarks, you have a good chance of succeeding in a typical first-year college class. That being said, you should keep in mind that these scores may not be enough to get you into your dream schools.
Different students have different strengths and abilities. Your target ACT score should depend on several factors, such as:
To determine where you’re starting from, take a practice test. You should simulate standard testing conditions, adhering to time constraints and only using the tools you’ll be able to have at your disposal during the real ACT. Score the practice test and compare your score to the corresponding percentiles. This will help you understand the baseline score you might get without any studying or preparation.
If your score is low, don’t panic. Remember that this is approximately the score you would receive without any preparation. This is just your baseline; you’ll be able to improve it by practicing. You’ll find tips on improving your score later on in this article.
Your target colleges will dictate your target score. Look at the chart below to find out the middle 50% ACT range at top universities. You should aim to be at the higher end of this range for your school—that is, above the 50th percentile of previously accepted students. For example, if the middle 50% range at a given school is 33-35, your composite score should be 34 or higher.
Bear in mind that changes in testing policies may affect your target score, such as the fact that many schools are currently practicing test-optional admissions . Many schools also superscore , meaning that they’ll take your highest section scores from different test sittings to form a new composite score.
School Name
Middle 50% SAT Range
School Name
Middle 50% SAT Range
Practice makes perfect! The ACT is similar to any other test you might take—if you want to do well, you have to put in the time. Focus on your weakest areas, based on your baseline practice test, to formulate your study plan. Make sure you set aside enough time to fit in practice sessions every day. CollegeVine has plenty of resources and tips to help you with your studying.
Many colleges superscore, meaning that they will combine your highest individual section scores from different test sittings to form a new composite score. Even if your schools don’t superscore, repeat testers generally do better and have an average composite score that’s 2.9 points higher than single-test takers. Still, you shouldn’t take the test more than 2-3 times. Your score is unlikely to improve after you take it a handful of times.
CollegeVine maintains a list of colleges that superscore the ACT . Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the school website, as policies are constantly changing.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a disruption in standardized testing and led many colleges to offer test-optional admissions . If you receive disappointing scores, you have the option of omitting them from your application.
You should definitely submit your score if it is above the 50th percentile for accepted students. You should consider submitting a score if it is above the 25th percentile. However, scores aren’t everything and are only a singular data point in your admissions decision.
You may have to consider other elements in your application to determine whether you should submit your scores. For example, if you have a great GPA, fantastic essays, meaningful extracurricular activities, and a glowing letter of recommendation, you may consider not submitting so-so scores since the rest of your application is strong.
Though many colleges have become test-optional in the past and current admissions cycles, the ACT score has been used as a predictor of an applicant’s future collegiate success. Schools use your standardized test scores (in conjunction with your GPA) to determine your level of academic achievement, a hefty factor in the college admissions process.
Having strong test scores is a great way to maximize your chances of success. To see how your score affects your chances, check out CollegeVine’s free Admissions Calculator . This calculator will take into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and more to give you a personalized estimate of your chances at hundreds of schools around the country!