Let's be real - when you're sweating over your ACT results, you're not looking for vague platitudes. You want to know exactly what makes a good ACT score for your situation. Is it 25? 30? 34? The truth is, what counts as "good" depends entirely on your goals. I remember when my niece bombed her first ACT with a 22. She thought it was game over for her dream school. Turns out she was stressing about the wrong benchmarks. We'll cut through the noise together.
Why ACT Scores Actually Matter
Colleges use these numbers as a quick filter. Harsh but true. A strong ACT score opens doors to:
- Your target universities (obviously)
- Scholarships you didn't know existed (more on this later)
- Honors programs that give you smaller classes and research opportunities
But here's what nobody says: A mediocre ACT score isn't the death sentence people make it out to be. I've seen students with 24s get into great schools because they nailed their personal essays. Still, you shouldn't leave points on the table.
Reality check: The national average ACT composite is about 20. But if you're aiming for competitive schools, average won't cut it. That's why understanding what are good ACT scores for you is crucial.
Making Sense of ACT Composite Scores
You know the ACT is scored from 1 to 36. But what do those numbers actually mean? Let's break it down:
| ACT Composite Score Range | What It Means | Who Should Care |
|---|---|---|
| 1-15 | Below average - Signals serious content gaps | Students needing foundational help before retesting |
| 16-20 | Near average - Meets minimum requirements at many state schools | Those applying to non-competitive programs |
| 21-25 | Solid - Above average, competitive at many public universities | Most college-bound students |
| 26-30 | Strong - Puts you in top 25% of test-takers | Students aiming for selective schools |
| 31-36 | Exceptional - Top 5% nationally, Ivy League territory | High achievers targeting elite institutions |
My cousin learned this the hard way. He scored a 28 and thought he'd easily get into University of Michigan. Their middle 50% is 31-34. He got waitlisted. Moral? Know your target school's actual ranges.
The Percentile Perspective
Percentiles tell you how you stack up against other test-takers. This table shows recent data:
| ACT Composite Score | National Percentile | What Colleges See |
|---|---|---|
| 34-36 | 99th percentile | Top-tier candidate pool |
| 30-33 | 93rd-98th percentile | Highly competitive applicant |
| 25-29 | 78th-92nd percentile | Strong candidate for most colleges |
| 20-24 | 50th-77th percentile | Meeting basic requirements |
| Below 20 | Below 50th percentile | May need to compensate elsewhere |
Notice how a few points make a massive difference? Jumping from 25 to 28 moves you from the 78th to 88th percentile. That's why retaking often pays off.
Your Major Changes Everything
Engineering programs care more about your math score than your reading score. Journalism programs? The opposite. Here's what good ACT scores look like by field:
- STEM Majors: Math scores matter most. Top programs want 30+ in Math
- Humanities: English/Reading scores carry more weight. Target 30+ in these sections
- Business: Balanced scores across all sections with strong Math
A friend scored 35 in Science but 24 in English. Got rejected from biology programs because admissions doubted her communication skills. Section scores matter.
The Scholarship Sweet Spot
Want free money? ACT scores directly impact scholarship offers. Here's what you might see:
| ACT Score Range | Scholarship Potential | Real Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 27-29 | $5,000-$10,000/year at many state schools | University of Alabama: $28,000 total for 27-31 ACT |
| 30-32 | Full tuition at regional universities | University of Mississippi: Full tuition at 30+ ACT |
| 33-36 | Full rides plus stipends at many schools | Texas Tech: Full tuition + $5,000 stipend at 33+ ACT |
Pro Tip: Many automatic scholarships have strict ACT deadlines. Apply early even if retaking - some schools honor updated scores.
School-Specific Targets: Where You Need to Be
Talking about "what are good ACT scores" is meaningless without context. Let's look at real admissions data:
Elite Universities (Ivy League+)
Middle 50% ACT scores: 33-35. Below 30 rarely gets a look unless you're an Olympic athlete or Nobel laureate.
Top Public Universities (UC Berkeley, UNC Chapel Hill)
Middle 50%: 29-33. Out-of-state applicants often need the higher end.
State Flagship Universities (Ohio State, UT Austin)
Middle 50%: 24-30. In-state students can sometimes get by with lower scores.
Regional State Schools
Middle 50%: 18-24. Often accept scores near the national average.
| University Type | Examples | Good ACT Scores Range | What If You're Below? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League | Harvard, Yale | 33-36 | Strongly consider retaking or exceptional alternative credentials |
| Top 50 National | Emory, Wake Forest | 30-34 | Retake if below 28; compensate with stellar essays |
| Competitive Public | UCLA, UMich | 28-33 | Below 25? Focus on your in-state safety schools |
| Mid-Tier Public | Arizona State, Iowa State | 22-28 | Below 20? Consider community college pathway |
I applied to Vanderbilt with a 29. Got rejected immediately. Their 25th percentile was 33. I wasted $75 because I didn't research properly. Don't be me.
When to Retake - The Honest Math
Retaking the ACT isn't free ($68 without writing, $93 with). Is it worth it? Consider:
- Timing: Can you realistically prep 40+ hours before the next test?
- Potential gain: Most students improve 1-3 points with minimal prep, 4+ with serious effort
- Downsides: Score drops happen to 25% of retakers who don't prep properly
My rule: Only retake if you can commit to targeted practice. Taking it cold again is just gambling.
Superscoring - Your Secret Weapon
Most schools now "superscore" - taking your highest section scores across multiple tests. This changes everything:
- First test: 28 English, 22 Math
- Second test: 25 English, 30 Math
- Superscore: 28 English + 30 Math = 29 composite!
Focus your studying on weak sections instead of the whole test. Game changer.
The Reality of Test-Optional Admissions
Since COVID, many schools went test-optional. But is skipping the ACT smart?
- Top schools: 60%+ of applicants still submit scores. Not submitting can raise eyebrows
- Mid-tier schools: Strong scores can secure scholarships even if not required for admission
- Weak GPA students: A good ACT score is your best redemption chance
Admissions officers whisper that when comparing otherwise equal applicants, the one with test scores typically wins out.
Your Questions About Good ACT Scores Answered
Is 23 a good ACT score?
It's above average nationally (75th percentile) but won't impress selective colleges. Solid for many state schools though.
What ACT score guarantees scholarships?
Nothing's guaranteed, but 27+ unlocks automatic merit awards at many schools. 30+ often triggers full-tuition offers.
How important is the ACT writing test?
Less crucial than it used to be. Only 18 schools still require it. Check your specific colleges' policies.
Can I get into college with a 19 ACT?
Yes, but likely at open-admission or community colleges. Some state schools accept it with strong other credentials.
What's the lowest ACT score Harvard accepts?
Their published range is 33-35. Anything below 30 is extremely rare unless you have world-class talents.
Turning Good Scores Into Great Opportunities
Once you have your ACT results:
- Send strategically: Don't auto-send to all schools. Wait until you see scores if possible
- Highlight strengths: Got 35 in Reading but 28 composite? Feature that in humanities applications
- Negotiate: Use better scholarship offers from peer schools as leverage
Remember that kid who got into Stanford with a 27 ACT? Neither do I. But I know dozens who got full rides to great schools with 30s. Focus on what opens your doors.
At the end of the day, figuring out what are good ACT scores means understanding your personal target. For Sarah down the street dreaming of community college nursing? A 22 is fantastic. For you aiming at MIT? 34 barely cuts it. Stop comparing to national averages and start focusing on your specific goals. Because in college admissions, context is everything.
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