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Home / ACT Exam / Good ACT Scores

What Is a Good ACT Score? Everything You Need to Know for College Admissions

Last Updated on Jul 11, 2025

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Thinking about college admissions and wondering what a good ACT score is? You're not alone. The ACT is a key part of the college application process for many students in the United States. Scoring well on the ACT not only improves your chances of getting into your target schools but can also qualify you for scholarships and honors programs. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about good ACT scores, how they're interpreted, and how to achieve them.

What Is a Good ACT Score?

A good ACT score depends on your college goals. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the national average typically around 19–21. However, for more selective colleges, a good score on the ACT is usually 28 or higher, while top-tier universities often look for scores above 32.

So, what is considered a good ACT score?

  • Average Score: ~20
  • Competitive Score: 26–29
  • Top 10% Score: 30–32
  • Ivy League Level: 33–36

Ultimately, what a good ACT score is will vary depending on the expectations of the schools you plan to apply to.

Good ACT Scores for 15 Popular Colleges

Here's a look at the middle 50% ACT score range (25th–75th percentile) for accepted students at 15 well-known U.S. colleges:

College/University

25th Percentile ACT

75th Percentile ACT

Harvard University

33

35

Stanford University

32

35

University of California, Berkeley

29

35

University of Michigan

30

34

University of Florida

28

33

New York University (NYU)

30

34

University of Texas at Austin

26

33

Boston University

30

34

Georgia Institute of Technology

31

35

University of Wisconsin–Madison

27

31

Ohio State University

26

31

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

25

31

Purdue University

25

33

Indiana University Bloomington

24

30

University of Iowa

22

29

Knowing the ACT ranges of your desired schools helps you set realistic goals for a good ACT score.

Top Strategies for a Good ACT Score

Here are expert-approved strategies to help you reach a good ACT score:

  • Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the ACT sections—English, Math, Reading, Science, and optional Writing.
  • Take Practice Tests Regularly: Simulate real exam conditions to build stamina and improve timing.
  • Analyze Mistakes: Review incorrect answers to understand your weak areas and prevent repeated errors.
  • Focus on Time Management: Each section is tightly timed; practicing with a stopwatch can help build speed.
  • Use ACT Prep Resources: Use prep books and online platforms, or consider a tutor if needed.
  • Retake the Test If Needed: Many students improve their score the second or third time they take the ACT.

ACT Score Percentiles and Good ACT Scores

Percentiles show how your score compares to others. Here's how ACT scores break down by percentile:

ACT Score

Percentile Rank

36

99th

34-35

98th

30-33

90th–96th

26-29

83rd–89th

20-25

50th–75th

Below 19

Below Average

A good score on the ACT usually places you in the 75th percentile or above, especially if you are applying to selective colleges.

ACT Score vs. Typical Scores at Your Target Schools

To determine what a good ACT score is for you, start by researching the ACT ranges for your dream schools. If your score is:

  • Above the 75th percentile, your chances are strong.
  • Within the 25th–75th percentile, you're competitive.
  • Below the 25th percentile, you may need to strengthen other parts of your application or consider retaking the test.

This personalized approach is key to understanding what is considered a good ACT score for your specific goals.

🎓 Scholarships for Good ACT Scores

A high ACT score can unlock thousands of dollars in merit-based scholarships offered by universities and private organizations. Many colleges in the U.S. offer automatic scholarships based on ACT score thresholds—no separate application required.

🎯 What ACT Scores Can Get You Scholarships?

ACT Score Range

Scholarship Potential

32-36

Full-tuition or full-ride scholarships at many public universities (e.g., Alabama, UCF, ASU)

28-31

Partial tuition scholarships or significant merit awards

25-27

Lower-tier merit scholarships or state-specific awards

💡 Notable Examples:

  • University of Alabama: ACT 30+ can earn up to full tuition source
  • Baylor University: ACT 32+ can yield up to $24,000/year in academic scholarships source
  • University of Kentucky: ACT 31+ may qualify you for the Presidential Scholarship (tuition + housing) source

📌 Tip: Many private scholarships also require high ACT scores—search national databases like Fastweb and BigFuture.

✨ Bonus: Superscoring Helps

Because universities like Arizona State University, University of Mississippi, and Ohio State superscore the ACT, you can boost your composite and qualify for more aid.

Conclusion

A good ACT score isn't one-size-fits-all—it's about alignment with your college ambitions. Deciding whether one wishes to get admitted into one of the best Ivy League universities or get merit scholarships in a state university requires one to know what a good ACT score is and how to achieve it. So calculate the numbers, prepare wisely, and aim high. After all, test scores form only a small part of your entire college application; really, all the hard work and determination that count.

Latest ACT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jul 24, 2025

-> The ACT is a standardized test commonly utilized by colleges and universities to evaluate high school students for higher education opportunities.

-> The upcoming ACT Dates 2025 is July 12, 2025 and the Late Registration Deadline has been extended to June 25, 2025 for which $38.00 Late Registration Fee will be charged. 

-> As per, ACT Test Schedule 2025, the next ACT Test Date for the next semester is on September 6, 2025 for which the regular registration deadline is August 1, 2025 respectively. 

-> This multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper exam assesses various academic skills across English, Math, Reading, and Science.

-> The candidates can attempt the ACT Practice Test which helps to crack the examination.

Good ACT Scores FAQs

 A score of 33–36 is considered competitive for Ivy League institutions.

Yes, a 27 is a good ACT score, placing you well above the national average and making you competitive for many solid schools.

Yes, many colleges and private organizations offer merit-based scholarships for ACT scores above 28.

There's no limit. Most students take it 2–3 times to achieve their best score.

Yes, especially if your score is just below your target college's range. Retakes often lead to improved scores.