The ACT is a standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and a score of 26 is considered to be in the top 25th percentile of all test takers. This means that a score of 26 is a good score, but it is not as good as a score in the top 10th or 5th percentile.

What Does a Score of 26 Mean?
A score of 26 on the ACT means that you have a strong understanding of the material that is covered on the test. You are able to read and comprehend complex texts, solve mathematical problems, and write effectively. You are also able to think critically and apply your knowledge to new situations.
Is a Score of 26 Good Enough for College?
A score of 26 is good enough for admission to most colleges and universities. However, there are some colleges that are more competitive than others. If you are applying to a highly selective college, you may need to score higher than 26 to be competitive.
How Can I Improve My ACT Score?
If you are not satisfied with your ACT score, there are a number of things that you can do to improve it. Here are a few tips:
- Take a practice test. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Focus on your weak areas. Once you know what your weak areas are, you can focus on improving them.
- Take a prep course. A prep course can help you to learn the material that is covered on the ACT and to develop the skills that you need to succeed.
- Study with a friend. Studying with a friend can help you to stay motivated and to learn from each other.
Conclusion
A score of 26 on the ACT is a good score, but it is not as good as a score in the top 10th or 5th percentile. If you are applying to a highly selective college, you may need to score higher than 26 to be competitive. However, there are a number of things that you can do to improve your ACT score, such as taking a practice test, focusing on your weak areas, taking a prep course, and studying with a friend.
Table 1: ACT Score Percentiles
Percentile | Score |
---|---|
99th | 36 |
95th | 34 |
90th | 32 |
75th | 29 |
50th | 24 |
25th | 20 |
10th | 17 |
5th | 14 |
Table 2: ACT Score Ranges for College Admission
College Selectivity | ACT Score Range |
---|---|
Highly selective | 32-36 |
Selective | 28-31 |
Moderately selective | 24-27 |
Less selective | 20-23 |
Open admission | No minimum score |
Table 3: Tips for Improving Your ACT Score
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Take a practice test | This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. |
Focus on your weak areas | Once you know what your weak areas are, you can focus on improving them. |
Take a prep course | A prep course can help you to learn the material that is covered on the ACT and to develop the skills that you need to succeed. |
Study with a friend | Studying with a friend can help you to stay motivated and to learn from each other. |
Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid on the ACT
Mistake | Description |
---|---|
Not preparing enough | Make sure to take practice tests and focus on your weak areas. |
Guessing too much | Only guess on questions that you are confident about. |
Not managing your time wisely | Make sure to allocate your time wisely so that you can finish all of the questions. |
Not checking your work | Make sure to check your work for errors before submitting your test. |