What is A Good ACT Score?
Understanding the ACT
When it comes to US college admissions, the question "What constitutes a good ACT score?" looms large for aspiring university entrants. Whether you are aiming for the Ivy League or a state university, having a target ACT score is the first step towards realising your higher education aspirations. Let’s find out why the ACT is a crucial piece of the admissions puzzle, what is considered a good score, and how to prepare.
Why Should You Take the ACT?
An outstanding ACT score can lift your college application, showcasing your academic ability and preparedness for university-level challenges. Admissions officers use these scores as a uniform measure to evaluate candidates from different educational backgrounds. Hence, achieving a superior score can improve your admission prospects and enhance your qualifications for scholarships and financial support.
Despite the shift towards test-optional admissions at some schools due to COVID-19, most top universities continue to view these scores as a vital element of the application review. In fact, there has been a growing trend among elite universities to reverse test-optional policies, with institutions like MIT, Dartmouth, Yale, Harvard, and Caltech leading the charge.
Here are some factors to consider:
Increasing Your Competitive Edge: Submitting an impressive ACT score can elevate your application profile, even for test-optional schools. Your scores add another dimension to your profile, potentially tipping the scales in your favour in a pool of similarly qualified candidates.
Scholarship Considerations: Some institutions and scholarship committees still require or highly recommend submitting test scores for eligibility. A strong score can be instrumental in securing financial aid.
Specific Programme Requirements: Certain programmes, especially those in competitive fields, may still require ACT scores for admission. It's crucial to check the specific requirements of each programme you are applying to.
Are you debating between taking the SAT or ACT? Check out our SAT vs ACT blog post where we compare both tests, helping you make an informed decision!
What is Considered a “Good” ACT Score?
The ACT consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each scored from 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of these four sections.
A "good" score is one that places you within or above the average range of scores for admitted students at your target universities. Generally, scores in the 75th percentile or higher (24 - 36) are considered competitive for most institutions. UniWise recommends an ACT score of 34 for international students aspiring to enter top US universities.
We have compiled a list of ACT scores at top US Universities below:
ACT Preparation Tips
Official Practice Materials: Utilise the official ACT preparation book and online resources. These materials offer the most accurate representation of the test format and types of questions you can expect.
Practice Under Test Conditions: Engage in regular, timed practice. Simulate test-day conditions by taking full-length practice tests in a quiet, timed setting. This helps build endurance and familiarises you with the pacing of the actual test.
Targeted Practice: Identify the sections or types of questions where you lose the most points and dedicate additional time to these areas. Improving on your weaknesses can lead to substantial score gains.
Seek Professional Guidance: Enroll in a tailored test preparation programme such as our UniWise ACT Prep. Our specialist tutors are highly experienced in providing personalised 1-on-1 ACT coaching based on your unique strengths and weaknesses. Our programme includes:
Diagnostic Assessments: Tests to pinpoint specific areas for improvement
Customised Study Plans: Tailored strategies and study schedules designed to maximise your score potential
Regular Progress Monitoring: Continuous assessment of your performance to adjust strategies and focus areas as needed
Test-Taking Strategies: Beyond test content, we teach crucial test-taking strategies that can help you effectively manage time, guess intelligently, and approach questions logically
Acing Your ACT for Application Success
Securing an impressive ACT result can boost your chances of university acceptance. Through ample preparation and targeted revision, you too can attain the scores required by your dream university. We wish you the utmost success in your ACTs!
Do you have the same question about the SAT? Check out our What is A Good SAT Score? post.
🚀 UniWise: ACT Prep - Your Success is Our Mission
As admissions to top universities get increasingly challenging, so do requirements for standardised test scores. A trusted test instructor can significantly boost your scores by offering personalised guidance and expert strategies, directly targeting areas for improvement.
Reach out to learn how we can take you closer to that perfect test score. ⭐
