Good ACT Score

What constitutes a decent ACT score will vary depending on the school a student is applying to. One needs a score of 30 or better to be competitive with an Ivy League school. An 18 may be more than enough if one is applying to a local public university. A great ACT score could still help a student get scholarships to help pay for college, even though hundreds of universities don’t even require it.

How Vital Will ACT Scores Be for 2022 College Admission?

Students frequently experience stress before taking the ACT because they prepare for weeks or months to achieve a high score to get into their dream college. However, these standardized test scores are currently being given less weight by many colleges throughout the admissions process in favour of other criteria, such as GPA and essays.

According to a rough estimate by the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, around 1,750 four-year institutions have declared their intention to adopt test-optional or test-blind policies beginning in the autumn of 2023. Although this trend is not new, the coronavirus epidemic hastened it when many students could not visit testing venues.

Even a strong ACT score will help one stand out from the crowd and get into the school of choice. Building a strong ACT score should be a focus in the college admissions process because it will allow the admissions staff to swiftly and objectively compare an applicant to the other applicants with a score in the 75th percentile or, ideally, in the 99th percentile.

How is an ACT test scored?

A scale from 1 to 36 is used to score the ACT exam. His composite score is calculated based on the average of one’s four test results (English, Math, Reading, and Science). If a fractional score is higher than one-half, it is rounded up; if it is lower, it is rounded down.

A scaled score of 1-36 is assigned to the four sections or subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English. The optional writing portion is graded differently. The topic scores are averaged to calculate the composite score, which ranges from 1-36. 

What Score on the ACT is Considered Good?

An applicant can receive one point for each correct answer, and his total correct answers will determine the raw score, which will then be scaled to reflect his final grade. For incorrect responses, there is no fee or point deduction. This is the mark that both public and private universities in the United States use to determine the general level of academic aptitude.

Usually, an ACT score of 24 or higher is seen as being good. According to the 2022 ACT National Profile Report, one would score in the 74th percentile of test takers with this. 

What ACT score is recommended for Ivy League colleges?

Since Ivy League schools are among the “best of the best,” they frequently demand the highest ACT scores. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that most Ivy League schools‘ typical ACT score ranges are between 32 and 35. But the Ivy League schools consider various factors, in addition to test results, when making admissions decisions. Students will also require a compelling essay, commendable letters of recommendation, an outstanding academic record, community service experience, and more.

How can one increase the ACT score

1. Attend an ACT prep course

One can discover efficient test-taking techniques and methods in ACT preparation sessions. One can use them to focus on their poor content areas. 

2. Consult a tutor

If one requires more individualized guidance and support, a tutor is fantastic. Tutors are a fantastic resource for helping students fill knowledge gaps in particular subject areas.

3. Maximize inexpensive resources

It’s okay if one can’t afford a tutor or prep course. Many trustworthy, free or affordable tools are available to aid in the ACT’s success. For ACT practice exams, one can check their neighborhood library or turn to online sources.

Conclusion

With a high ACT score, one will outperform the bulk of test-takers. Any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19–20, is therefore seen as being positive. But a lot of selective universities won’t take a 20. That’s why one should aim even higher, especially for a composite score of approximately 24, which would place an applicant in the top 25%. Tips should also be followed to gradually increase the ACT score.