What's a Good ACT Score?

The ACT is scored out of 36, with the top 10% of test-takers getting a composite score of 28-36. When setting your ACT score goal for the upcoming admissions season, it’s a good idea to look at the score averages for the schools to which you’re applying. Overall, the average ACT score is 21, and a score of 23 or above is often considered a good score. Read on for the breakdown of ACT scores in the top 10%, top 25%, top 50%, and below:

The ACT is scored on a 1 – 36 scale in each section in 1-point increments. The 4 multiple-choice sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) will all have scores provided separately. This relatively small scale means that small improvements in your score can make a big difference in your percentile ranking (sometimes, a 1 point increase in your score can boost your percentile ranking by 5 points).

Remember that on the ACT, you are NOT penalized for wrong answers. Understanding the scoring and knowing how to approach each section is an important part of doing your best on test day.

Expert Test Tip

Katie Sollenberger, Manager of Content and Curriculum, ACT, SAT, and GED

“Standardized tests like the ACT or SAT can feel scary because they may feel or look different from tests you’ve taken in school. Luckily, both the ACT and the SAT are predictable precisely because of their standardized nature. With routine practice, you can know exactly what you’re looking for on the test, lowering your stress levels and increasing your confidence. Don’t try to cram; give yourself at least two months to prepare, and plan to practice at least twice per week.”

ACT test-takers now have the ability to take the ACT multiple times, and then combine their best score from each ACT subject into an ACT Superscore. Your ACT Superscore can increase your odds at getting admitted to the college of your choice by better reflecting your abilities and skills. Wondering if your target school/college(s) Superscores ACT? And if so, how to Superscore your ACT? Read more about the new ACT Superscore system.

Keep in mind that your ACT score does not stand alone. Whether or not you are admitted to a college program (and whether or not you receive scholarship money) depends on several factors. In addition to focusing on getting the best ACT score possible, you should also work on obtaining the best GPA possible, writing a spectacular personal statement, taking a challenging course load, and rounding out your application with extra-curricular activities.

Some schools have decided to make ACT test scores optional as part of their application requirements. This may sound like a good idea but if you are looking to have your application stand out, a good ACT score is still one of the best ways to do that. Just because a school has decided to allow applicants to exclude ACT test scores does not mean other applicants are not continuing to submit ACT scores when applying.