Updated: Thursday, June 26, 2025
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive and many schools reinstating standardized testing requirements, achieving a good ACT score is critical. Keep reading to learn what constitutes a strong ACT score, how it’s calculated, what factors influence its perceived value, and how you can set realistic goals for testing success.
Why are ACT scores important for college admissions? For starters, they provide a standardized measure to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Your scores also help admissions committees determine your academic readiness for college and are often used for course placement and awarding merit scholarships. Standardized test scores also help with institutional rankings.
For you, ACT scores can be used as a personal benchmark to assess your academic strengths and weaknesses. This can help you make informed decisions about your college and career options.
Contrary to popular belief, top colleges don’t expect you to achieve a perfect ACT score — and less than 1% of students manage to do so anyway. So, what is a good ACT score for college acceptance at some of the top schools in the U.S.? This table includes the middle 50% SAT score ranges of class of 2028 students, as reported in each school’s Common Data Set.
*Indicates class of 2027 — the most recent data available for that school.
|
College/University |
Middle 50% Score Range |
| Boston University | 32-34 |
| Bowdoin College | 33-35 |
| Brown University | 34-35 |
| Columbia University (Columbia College & Columbia Engineering) | 34-35* |
| Cornell University | 33-35 |
| Emory University | 32-35 |
| Georgetown University | 31-35 |
| Harvard University | 34-36* |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 34-36* |
| New York University | 34-35 |
| Northwestern University | 33-35* |
| Pomona College | 33-35 |
| Princeton University | 34-35 |
| Stanford University | 34-35 |
| Rice University | 34-36* |
| Tufts University | 33-35 |
| Tulane University | 31-34 |
| University of Southern California | 32-35* |
| Vanderbilt University | 34-35 |
| Yale University | 33-35 |
Understanding ACT scoring goes beyond just the raw numbers. This ACT score analysis explains what score ranges signify, how percentiles are calculated and interpreted, and why they’re important.
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each section. Students taking the digital ACT are required to complete the math, English, and reading sections — the ACT science section is optional. The composite score is the average of the three required sections. The science section is scored separately for students who choose to take it. (Students taking the paper test through August 2025 are required to complete the science section. The composite is the average score of all four sections.)
Beyond these general ranges, the ACT also provides College Readiness Benchmarks for each section. If your score meets or exceeds a benchmark, it suggests you have a high probability (e.g., 50% chance of a B or higher, or 75% chance of a C or higher) of success in corresponding first-year college courses.
ACT score percentiles are determined by comparing your score to the scores of a large, representative sample of students who have taken the test over a recent three-year period — what ACT calls National Ranks. If you receive a composite score of 24, for example, and it falls in the 74th percentile, it means that you scored equal to or better than 74% of the students in that group. Conversely, 26% of students scored higher than you.
Percentiles are a relative measure. A 30 composite might be in the 94th percentile, while a 30 in the reading section might be in the 89th percentile. This difference highlights that while a score of 30 is generally excellent, it’s more exceptional in the context of the composite score distribution than the reading section.
Knowing your ACT score percentile is important for several reasons:
1. It contextualizes your performance. Your raw score (e.g., a 25) doesn’t tell you how well you did compared to others. The percentile gives that vital comparative information. It helps you understand if your score is truly competitive or if there’s significant room for improvement relative to your peers.
2. It informs your college admissions strategy. Colleges often publish the middle 50% (25th to 75th percentile) range of ACT scores for their admitted students.
3. It helps you set realistic goals. By looking at the percentile data for your desired colleges, you can set a realistic target ACT score.
4. It helps you identify strengths and weaknesses (subscores). While colleges primarily focus on the composite score, your score report also includes percentiles for each section. This can help you identify your strongest and weakest areas, guiding your study efforts for potential retakes.
The ACT score calculation process involves a few key steps that ultimately lead to your composite score, which is the overall score most colleges consider.
Knowing how to interpret ACT scores can help you prepare for the test more efficiently, especially once you take practice tests. The scaled scores for each section immediately tell you which sections you performed strongest and weakest in. You can also look at how you performed in the specific content areas or skills categories.
English: Measures your understanding of standard written English and rhetorical skills and assesses your ability to effectively convey ideas and information. You’ll read several prose passages with certain words or phrases underlined or highlighted. You’ll choose the best way to correct errors or improve the writing or answer questions about the whole passage.
Math: Measures mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of concepts typically learned up to the beginning of pre-calculus. The format consists of all multiple-choice questions that range in difficulty. A calculator is permitted for the entire section.
Reading: Measures your reading comprehension skills, including the ability to understand main ideas, locate and interpret details, draw inferences, understand cause-effect relationships, and analyze an author’s purpose and style. The format consists of four long prose passages (or one section with two shorter, paired passages) drawn from diverse topics: prose fiction/literary narrative, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
Optional science test: Measures your ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and reason with scientific information presented in various formats, not your recall of specific scientific facts (though basic science knowledge can sometimes be helpful). While the topics can be from biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics, the test primarily assesses scientific reasoning skills. You will be presented with several authentic scientific scenarios, each followed by multiple-choice questions.
Optional writing test: Measures your ability to analyze an issue, develop a perspective, and effectively communicate your ideas in an essay. It assesses argumentative writing skills. You’ll be given a prompt that presents a complex issue and three different perspectives on it. Your task is to analyze these perspectives, articulate your own position, and support it with logical reasoning and examples. This test is scored separately on a scale of 2-12 based on Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions.
Retaking the ACT for a better score? Effective ACT score improvement strategies include creating a study plan, mastering time management and pacing, and addressing knowledge gaps. Consider these tips:
Colleges use ACT scores in the admissions process in a variety of ways, and how they are weighed in comparison to other admissions factors can differ significantly from one institution to another.
High schools across the country vary greatly in their curricula, grading standards, and academic rigor. An A at one school might represent a different level of achievement than an A at another. ACT scores provide a consistent, standardized metric that allows admissions officers to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds on a more equal footing.
Additionally, a high ACT score can validate a strong GPA, indicating that the student excels academically in a rigorous environment. And while a strong ACT score does not offset a low GPA entirely, it does suggest that the student has the academic potential even if their grades don’t fully reflect it. In a situation like that, it’s best to include additional information in the application that explains the low GPA and ensure the other components of your application are strong.
Colleges use ACT scores as one indicator of a student’s readiness for college-level coursework and their likelihood of success in a demanding academic environment. High school GPA is also a strong predictor of success, but combining both GPA and standardized test scores offers the most accurate prediction of college success.
Most competitive colleges employ a holistic review process. This means that while ACT scores are important, they are rarely the sole factor in admissions decisions. Admissions committees look at a comprehensive profile of the applicant, including GPA and transcript, essays, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and demonstrated interest.
Many colleges and universities use ACT scores as a primary criterion for awarding merit-based scholarships. Higher scores often translate to more significant financial aid opportunities, helping to reduce the cost of attendance.
Beyond admissions, ACT scores can be used to determine appropriate course placement for admitted students. For example, a high score in the math section might allow a student to bypass introductory math courses and enroll directly in a higher-level class.
Colleges often consider the average ACT scores of their admitted students when reporting statistics to organizations that compile college rankings (like U.S. News & World Report). This incentivizes colleges to admit students with competitive scores to maintain or improve their standing.
It can be tough to decide whether to take the ACT or SAT, but it ultimately comes down to which test is a better fit for you. Understanding the key differences between them is a good start.
|
ACT |
SAT |
|
| Content | Described as a curriculum-based test; covers what you learned in high school | Considered an aptitude/reasoning test; emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills |
| Sections | Three required: English, math, reading; two optional: science (as of fall 2025 on the paper test), writing | Two required: reading and writing, math |
| Time | Traditional paper ACT: 2 hours and 55 minutes; digital ACT: 2 hours and 5 minutes | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
| Pacing | Less time per question on average than the SAT | More time per question on average than the ACT |
| Scoring | Each section scored on a scale from 1-36; composite score is average of section scores | Each section scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The total score is the sum of these sections, ranging from 400 to 1600. |
| Format | Historically a paper-and-pencil test; digital version was introduced in April 2025 that generally follows the same linear structure as the paper test | Digital and adaptive; the difficulty of the questions in the second module of each section adjusts based on your performance in the first module |
| Calculator Usage | Allowed on all math questions | Allowed on all math questions; a built-in graphic calculator (Desmos) is available |
Most colleges accept both the ACT and SAT equally, with no preference. The best test for you often depends on your individual strengths:
We recommend taking a full-length practice test for both the ACT and SAT to see which format and question types feel more comfortable and where you naturally score higher.
While you can submit both SAT and ACT scores to colleges, we highly recommend that you focus only on one test. Once you determine which test is better for you, you can work on achieving the strongest score possible. Just keep in mind that many colleges practice superscoring for both tests to give you the highest overall score.
You can submit your ACT score for merit scholarships, which are awarded based on your achievements. Common merit-based scholarships that may require you to submit test scores include:
You can find more ACT score scholarship opportunities on various scholarship websites.
Colleges and organizations may have different processes for determining scholarship eligibility based on ACT scores. In general, a higher score — often in combination with a strong GPA and/or class rank — will provide more scholarship opportunities. Even at test-optional colleges, if you do submit a strong ACT score, it may significantly increase your chances for merit-based aid.
At some colleges, you may be automatically considered for scholarships upon admission if you meet the test score and GPA criteria. For others, you may have to fill out a separate application and submit additional materials.
Some scholarships require a minimum composite ACT score (and often a minimum GPA) that you must achieve to even be considered or to automatically receive a specific award amount. Some scholarships are tiered systems, meaning that the scholarship amount corresponds to your ACT score and GPA. In other words, improving your ACT score increases your chances of receiving more money.
For the most prestigious or largest scholarships (e.g., full-ride competitive scholarships), the process may be like a holistic review for admission. A high ACT score is a prerequisite, but the selection will also heavily weigh essays, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
Effective ACT preparation goes beyond simply memorizing facts. It involves a combination of content review, strategic practice, and test-taking skills. Maximize your score with these tips:
1. Start early and create a personalized study plan. Begin by taking a full-length, official ACT practice test under timed conditions. This identifies your starting score and pinpoints your strongest and weakest areas across all sections. Based on your baseline and research into your target colleges’ average scores, set a realistic target score. Aim for several months of preparation, and dedicate specific, consistent time slots for ACT prep in your schedule, focusing on your weakest areas.
2. Utilize official ACT prep materials. The official ACT website offers free practice tests, sample questions, and valuable resources directly from the test makers.
3. Master content and strategies for each section:
4. Practice time management. The ACT is a fast-paced test. During practice, strictly adhere to time limits for each section. Learn how to pace and guess strategically. And remember, there are no penalties for incorrect answers.
5. Analyze mistakes thoroughly. For every question you get wrong (or even guessed on), don’t just look at the correct answer. Understand why you made the mistake and keep notes on problem types and concepts you consistently miss and need to review.
6. Consider tutoring. If self-study isn’t yielding the desired results, a tutor can provide personalized guidance, targeted strategies, and accountability.
7. Take multiple practice tests. Aim for at least 3-5 full-length practice tests before the actual exam. This builds stamina, refines pacing, and reduces test anxiety.
8. Prioritize well-being. Get adequate sleep, eat healthy, and manage stress in the weeks leading up to the test. A clear mind performs better. On test day, eat a good breakfast and arrive early.
In an increasingly competitive admissions landscape, a strong ACT score can differentiate an applicant with a similar GPA or extracurricular profile from another. That’s why preparation and strategic planning are so important to achieving your goal score. Here at IvyWise, our ACT tutors know the test inside and out and will customize test prep to your learning style and goals.
Learn How Score Choice Works and Which Schools Honor It
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