What Is a Good ACT Score?

1. How the ACT Is Scored (No Confusion, Just Facts)

Alright, before we start stressing about what score is “good,” let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about how the ACT is actually scored.

So, the ACT is split into four main sections:

• English – 75 questions, 45 minutes
• Math – 60 questions, 60 minutes
• Reading – 40 questions, 35 minutes
• Science – 40 questions, 35 minutes (optional as of 2024!)

And then there’s the optional Writing section—which honestly, most colleges don’t even look at anymore. (But if your dream school does? Go ahead and take it.)

Each of the four sections is scored individually on a scale from 1 to 36. Once you’ve got all your section scores, ACT does the math for you—literally. They take the average of your four section scores, round it to the nearest whole number, and boom—that’s your composite score.

That composite score is the one colleges care about the most. It’s like your ACT GPA—it tells schools where you stand academically in a single number.

So, if you’re shooting for a competitive score, the composite score is what you should focus on improving. And just to clear up a common question: The Writing score does NOT affect your composite score—it’s totally separate.

2. What Is a Good ACT Score? Let’s Keep It Real

Alright, so you’re probably wondering, what even counts as a “good” ACT score? Is a 25 solid? Do you need a 30? Should you just aim for a perfect 36 and call it a day?

Here’s the thing: “Good” is relative. It depends on where you’re trying to go and how competitive you want to be. But let’s break it down with some real numbers so you can figure out what works for you:

• 19.4 → This is the national average ACT score for 2024. If you hit this, you’re smack in the middle of all test-takers.
• 24+ → This puts you above 75% of students, making it a solid, competitive score for many public universities.
• 30+ → Now we’re talking. This puts you in the top 7% of all ACT takers—definitely a strong score for competitive colleges.
• 34+ → This is Ivy League/top-tier school territory. At this level, your score is no longer holding you back—your essays, extracurriculars, and GPA take center stage.
• 36 → The legendary perfect score. Less than 0.25% of students get this. It’s rare, but if you do, congrats—you’ve mastered the ACT.

So, what’s a “good” score for you? That depends on the schools you’re applying to. If your dream college’s average ACT score is a 28, then anything above that gives you a great shot. But if you’re eyeing Harvard or Stanford? You’re gonna want a 34+ to be truly competitive.

Long story short: A “good” score is one that helps you get into the schools you want. No need to stress over getting a 36 if a 28 is enough for your goals.

3. What ACT Score Do You Need for Different Colleges?

So, what’s the magic number to get into your dream school? Well, it depends on where you’re applying. Colleges have different score expectations, and knowing the range for your target schools can help you figure out what you should be aiming for.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ACT score ranges based on school competitiveness:

What This Means for You:

• Trying for Ivy League or Top 20? You’ll need at least a 32 to be in the game, but realistically, a 34+ makes you much more competitive.
• Aiming for strong but not Ivy-level schools? A 27-31 puts you in a great spot for places like Duke, Vanderbilt, or top-tier public universities.
• Want a solid state university? Most public colleges (think University of California schools, Big 10 schools, etc.) accept scores in the 24-26 range.
• Just looking for a traditional 4-year college? You’re in good shape with a 21-23.
• Need an option with fewer ACT requirements? Many community colleges and open-enrollment schools will accept students in the 17-20 range or may not even require an ACT score.

Bottom line: The higher your score, the more options you have. But there’s no need to chase a 36 unless your dream school actually requires a top-tier score. Figure out where you want to apply, check their average ACT scores, and set a goal that makes sense for you.

4. ACT Score Percentiles: Where Do You Rank?

Colleges look at your percentile rank, which shows how you stack up against other students. Here’s what that looks like:

A 30+ puts you in the top 7% of test-takers, which is excellent. But if you’re around 20-22, you’re right in the middle.

5. What If Your Score Isn’t Where You Want It? Don’t Panic—You’ve Got Options

Let’s be real—not everyone is going to walk away with a 36. And guess what? That’s totally fine. Your ACT score is just one part of your college application, and there’s plenty you can do if you’re not happy with it. So, if your score isn’t quite where you want it to be, here’s how you can turn things around:

5.1 Retake the ACT (Seriously, It Helps)

• More than half of students (55%) who retake the ACT end up improving their score.
• You can take the test up to 12 times (but realistically, most students take it 2-3 times).
• Many colleges superscore, meaning they take your best section scores across multiple test dates to give you the highest possible composite score. So, even if your Reading score jumps up but Math stays the same, it still works in your favor.

5.2 Focus on Your Weak Spots

• If you crushed English but bombed Math, don’t waste time drilling English—you already got that down.
• ACT Math is big on Algebra and Geometry, so those should be your top priorities.
• Struggling with timing? Practice under timed conditions so you don’t feel rushed on test day.

5.3 Consider Taking the SAT Instead

• Some students naturally perform way better on the SAT than the ACT—it just depends on your test-taking style.
• If the ACT’s fast pace stresses you out, you might prefer the SAT, which gives more time per question.
• Both tests are accepted by all major colleges, so if the SAT feels like a better fit, it’s worth a shot.

5.4 The Bottom Line? You’ve Got Options.

A lower ACT score doesn’t mean your college dreams are over—it just means you might need a new strategy. Whether that’s retaking the test, sharpening specific skills, or trying the SAT, you still have plenty of ways to boost your chances. So don’t stress—just focus on what’s next.

6. ACT Score vs. SAT Score: How Do They Stack Up?

If you’re stuck choosing between the ACT and SAT, first—take a deep breath. Both are widely accepted at every major U.S. college, and one isn’t “better” than the other. But some students naturally perform better on one test than the other, so it’s smart to compare.

Here’s how ACT scores convert to SAT scores:

So… Which One Should You Take?

• If you’re quick with straightforward questions → The ACT might be a better fit (it’s faster-paced).
• If you prefer more time to think through problems → The SAT might suit you better (more time per question).
• ACT has a Science section, SAT doesn’t. But if you’re good at interpreting charts and data, ACT Science isn’t really “science”—it’s just reading and reasoning.
• SAT Math now allows a calculator for all questions The no-calculator section has been removed, and students can use either a built-in Desmos graphing calculator or their own approved device.

7. Should You Take the ACT or SAT? Let’s Figure It Out

Good news—colleges don’t care which test you take. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted at every major U.S. college, so the real question is: Which one fits your strengths?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:

Which One Is Better for You?

• ✅ Take the ACT if you:
  • Work well under time pressure and can handle a fast-paced test
  • Prefer clear, direct questions without tricky wording
  • Like interpreting charts and data (especially in the Science section)
• ✅ Take the SAT if you:
  • Like more time per question to think through answers
  • Are strong in word problems and algebra (since SAT math is heavy on those)
  • Prefer deeper reading comprehension over quick recall

8. Final Thoughts: What Score Should YOU Aim For?

A good ACT score depends on your college goals. If you’re trying to get into a competitive school, a 28+ is a strong target. But if you just need a solid score for admission or scholarships, a 22-24 will work fine.

Bottom line?

• A score above 24 makes you competitive.
• A score above 30 puts you in elite company.
• A score above 34 is Ivy League material.

And if your score isn’t there yet? You’ve got time to improve. Study smarter, retake if needed, and know that a great college future doesn’t come down to one test score! 🎓🔥