What is a Good ACT Score?
Hello students! Get pumped and ready for the ACTs of 2016! Some of you may have already been preparing for this moment, but Socrato knows that there are some who needed that little boost of refreshment. After all, these ACTs are not simply just exams to help you better your chances of getting into your top colleges, it’s also a checkpoint in your life that once you complete it…you may not ever have to look back at it again! Cheers to that!
So, everyone is itching to know — “What is a GOOD ACT score?”. Let’s first go over the constructs of the test:
- English Language
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
Each of the above categories can yield a score between 1 (lowest) and 36 (highest). Each of the four scores are averaged to give you your composite score, which happens to be used at most colleges. Around 50% of students that take the ACTs score below a 21 – The current average composite score. That’s not for you to worry though – There are actually very little students who score a perfect ACT score, even Ivy League students didn’t get a perfect score. If you score a 34-36, consider yourself part of the 1% of top test-takers in the entire nation (Go you!). In short:
“Good” ACT Composite Score :
- Above 24 = Excellent
- 21 = Average
- Under 16 = Lowest quarter
You’re probably wondering now, “If the probabilities of me scoring highly on the ACT are so low, why is it so important for me to even try at this?”. Socrato will tell you why! You should never underestimate the likelihood of your top college choices and how their admissions system works. There are a lot of variables that go into their selection of students, and you want to open yourself up to the ones that will benefit and showcase your value if you are accepted as a new student. Your ACT scores give admissions an unbiased view of their selection of candidates. Your application may stand identical to another, but your ACT scores could be what helps you stand out. Always give it your all. You must also keep in mind that some colleges post their students’ ACT scores publicly, to allow applicants to view their competition.
You can narrow down what a “Good” ACT score target is for you, specifically by researching the current ACT scores of their students are by researching their stats/website or speaking to one of their counselors/administration and asking them for those stats personally. You of course want to do exceptionally well for yourself on the ACT, but it’s no good to stress about scoring super high if your target score is something you know you definitely can attain with proper studies and rest.
