Most colleges consider ACT scores in their admissions process.
With college admissions becoming more competitive, you may be wondering what ACT score you need to get into the college of your choice. With only 1 in every 4,000 test takers earning a perfect ACT score of 36, many colleges accept students with ACT scores far below this. Knowing a bit about the range of ACT scores that your college accepts will help you prepare for the big exam.
The Myth of Minimum Scores
Contrary to what some students believe, you do not need to have a minimum score to enter most colleges. Rather, universities generally accept students that have a range of ACT scores suitable for that institution. Some students enter a college with an ACT score considered low compared to other entering freshmen, and some have scores above average. Many colleges take into account several other criteria in addition to the ACT score, such as alumni connections, place of residency and minority status. While a high ACT score would certainly help you gain a place at your desired college, there are ways to enter the university of your choice even if your ACT score is below average for that school.
ACT Scores in Context
Despite the lack of minimum requirements for schools, you can still develop a general understanding of what ACT score to aim for. Most public universities, for example, require an ACT score of at least 18. Most Ivy League universities require a score of 28 or greater, which means they generally accept students who achieved a score in the 90th percentile. The average ACT score is between 20 and 21, meaning 50 percent of students scored below or above that score. According to Princeton Review, if you score near the ACT average, a considerable number of colleges and universities will accept you, but you may not be admitted into more selective schools.
University Admission Averages
Most universities publish information on their admissions data--a set of information that tells the average ACT scores and other information about their incoming freshman class. To have a better chance of admission, try to earn an ACT score above the range of that university's average ACT score. You can find a list of average ACT scores for most universities on the desired colleges' websites, under the admission data section, or from a listing on the Princeton Review website.
Repeating the Test
If you did not get the test score you wanted, remember that you can always retake the ACT. Even if you have an ACT score above your desired university's average, you can never be sure that you will be admitted. A good ACT score can also help you earn a scholarship. For these reasons, Princeton Review suggests that you take the ACT again if you feel you can do better. Keep in mind, however, that taking the test too many times may seem strange to admissions committee members.
