What is a Good ACT Score in 2024?
College applications? Check. Personal statement? Check. Recommendations? Check. But hold on, there’s another factor critical to the acceptance: the ACT. Yes, this not-so-easy test isn’t just about flexing your intelligence; it’s your chance to show colleges you’re ready to conquer their toughest courses.
Before you get into study mode, though, a quick heads-up—not all colleges require the ACT anymore. Thanks to COVID-19, test-optional and test-blind policies are still relevant. So, double-check your dream schools’ policies!
Now, back to the ACT exam. What’s a “good” score? It’s like finding the perfect pair of jeans—depends on the fit, right? A score that rocks for one college might be “meh” for another. So, the real question is, what score opens the doors to your dream school?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the ACT, figure out what “good” means for you, and help you ace that test.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A good ACT score is generally considered to be 24 or higher, placing you above the 74th percentile of test-takers. For highly competitive schools, a score of 30 or higher is often expected. While any score above the 50th percentile (around 19–20) can be considered decent, aiming for a composite score of 24 or higher will give you a significant edge in the admissions process. This score range aligns with the top 25% of test-takers and typically translates to around 24 points in each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) on a 1–36 scale. By aiming for this level, you’ll demonstrate your academic readiness for competitive colleges and universities.
Using percentiles can offer further context: the accompanying table sourced from the ACT details common ranges of good scores based on percentiles, though these may fluctuate slightly year-to-year, but the general guidance provided here remains relevant.
| Percentile | Composite | English | Math | Reading | Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| 99 | 34–35 | 35 | 34–35 | 35–36 | 35 |
| 95 | 31 | 33–34 | 30–31 | 33–34 | 31 |
| 90 | 29 | 30–31 | 28 | 31–32 | 28 |
| 85 | 27 | 27–28 | 26 | 29–30 | 26 |
| 80 | 25–26 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 25 |
| 75 (good) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 |
| 50 (median) | 19–20 | 19 | 18 | 20 | 20 |
Is There a Good ACT Score Based on Your Colleges?
The elusive “good” ACT score is not a fixed entity but rather a chameleon that changes color depending on the college you’re targeting. Each university, from the local liberal arts college to the Ivy League titan, has its unique preferences when it comes to standardized test scores. What might be considered a stellar achievement at one institution could be viewed as merely average at another.
So, where do you fit into this spectrum? To assess whether your score falls within the “good” range for your desired schools, delve into their first-year class profiles or “facts and figures” pages. Often, these sections disclose the middle 50% of accepted ACT scores, revealing the range encompassed by the 25th and 75th percentiles. Ideally, you’d want your score to land near or above the 75th percentile—a sweet spot that signifies you’re on par with the typical students admitted to that school. If that seems like a mountain to climb, even aiming for the lower end of this middle 50% range can boost your application’s competitiveness.
Most college websites offer dedicated pages showcasing their freshman class profiles. Alternatively, a simple online search with the school’s name and “ACT score range” can lead you to the information you need.
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Say your sights are set on Brown University. A quick visit to their first-year profile page reveals that the middle 50% for ACT scores spans 34–36. This translates to a clear message: securing a 35 or higher on the ACT could significantly strengthen your chances of securing a coveted spot at Brown, assuming other aspects of your application are equally impressive.
Remember, the range of acceptable ACT scores is a diverse one. Less selective institutions tend to embrace scores closer to the national average (21), while their more prestigious counterparts typically favor scores in the 32–36 range.
What Is a Good ACT Writing Score?
A good ACT writing score is typically considered to be 8 or higher on a scale of 2 to 12. What truly matters to colleges is your percentile placement. Scoring above the 50th percentile by aiming for an 8 or higher significantly strengthens your application. This demonstrates that your writing skills exceed those of most test-takers, making you stand out in the admissions pool.
So, the ACT’s got this optional Writing section where you show off your essay skills on an issue. You only need to take it if one of your dream schools demands it; though, be warned, having it scored bumps the price from $68 to $93. Think of it like the deluxe ACT package.
Unlike the usual sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science), this essay is graded on a different scale, from 2 to 12. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mess with your main score; it’s its own little thing.
The Writing section is all about your opinion on a specific issue. Two eagle-eyed readers will dissect your masterpiece into four categories:
- Ideas and Analysis: How good are your ideas?
- Development and Support: How do you back them up?
- Organization: how smoothly you organize your thoughts
- Language Use and Conventions: how well you wield the English language.
Each category gets a 1 to 6 grade, and then they all get mashed together to give you your final Writing score out of 12. Easy, right? Just remember, it’s extra, so only take the plunge if your college demands it!
This table from the ACT breaks down percentiles and score ranges, making it easy to see where your score lands!
| Percentile | ACT Writing Score |
|---|---|
| 100 | 12 |
| 99 | 11 |
| 99 | 10 |
| 96 | 9 |
| 90 (good) | 8 |
| 66 | 7 |
| 51 (median) | 6 |
Read Also: ACT Test Dates for Upcoming 2024
20 Popular Colleges Accepting a Good ACT Score
This table shows the ACT scores of the middle 50% of first-year students at 20 popular US colleges. This data reflects the latest available information for the incoming class, typically the class of 2027.
| College | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | 33 | 35 |
| Berkeley (UC) | 32 | 35 |
| Brown University | 32 | 35 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 35 | 36 |
| Columbia University | 33 | 35 |
| Cornell University | 33 | 35 |
| Dartmouth College | 33 | 35 |
| Duke University | 33 | 35 |
| Georgetown University | 33 | 35 |
| Harvard University | 34 | 36 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 33 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 35 | 36 |
| Northwestern University | 33 | 35 |
| Princeton University | 33 | 35 |
| Stanford University | 33 | 35 |
| University of Chicago | 33 | 35 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 33 | 35 |
| University of Virginia | 32 | 34 |
| Yale University | 33 | 35 |
Read Also: Master the ACT Using 13 Free Practice Test
From the Desk of Yocket
Whether a score on the ACT is considered “good” depends on a variety of factors. To get a clearer sense of what “good” means for you, research the middle 50% of ACT scores at your target schools. Aiming for the upper end of that range will strengthen your application.
But a “good” score isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about understanding your academic strengths and weaknesses. Remember, the ACT is just one factor in the college application. While a strong score can certainly boost your chances, it’s not the only factor admissions officers consider. They’ll also be looking at your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. By demonstrating a well-rounded profile, you can shine regardless of your exact ACT score.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know what score I need for my target college?
The average ACT score for admitted students at your target college is a good indicator of what score you should aim for. You can find this information on the college’s website or in college admissions resources.
2. I didn’t get the ACT score I wanted. What can I do?
Don’t despair! You can always retake the ACT. Most colleges will consider your highest score. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer test-optional admissions, meaning they do not require you to submit ACT or SAT scores.
3. What are some other factors to consider besides my ACT score?
Your ACT score is just one part of your college application. Other important factors include your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Make sure to focus on all aspects of your application, not just your ACT score.
4. What is the average ACT score for class of 2024?
The average ACT score for the class of 2024 is approximately 21.
5. Is 27 a decent ACT score?
Yes, a score of 27 on the ACT is considered decent. It places you around the 87th percentile of test-takers.
6. Is a 19 on the ACT good?
A score of 19 on the ACT is considered decent. It places you approximately at the 50th percentile among test-takers.