Many Notre Dame students beat the average entrance exam scores for ACTs. How? They take advantage of resources like the free tutoring center and the online practice tests. And they start preparing early.
The ACT, or American College Testing, is required for undergraduate admissions and is a standardized test taken by college-bound students. It is typically taken by a student in 11th grade or 12th grade. It has four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. The highest possible composite score is 36.
The national average for the ACT in 2022 for first-time 12th-grade graduates was 20.3. Notre Dame students who have taken the test within the past year have an average of 30.5 on the ACT, which is significantly higher than the national average of 20.6.
Most students improve their test scores when preparing for the exam. For example, if a Notre Dame-bound student takes the ACT multiple times and seeks help to raise the score, a 27 might raise to a 31 easily. If the student scored 25 on the first ACT, improving to a 28 might be more attainable.
Students who score in the top 10 percent of the ACT are more likely to be admitted to Notre Dame and other top colleges. They are also more likely to receive merit scholarships and other financial aid.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your ACT score. Here are a few tips:
- Start preparing early
- Reach out to the free tutoring center at Notre Dame
- Take advantage of the online practice tests
- Learn the test format
- Focus on the areas you need to improve
- Practice, practice, practice
The ACT is only one factor that Notre Dame considers when making admissions decisions. However, it is an important factor, and it can definitely help you stand out from the crowd.
Schools with the Highest ACT Scores
The following schools have the highest ACT scores in the United States:
| Rank | School | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phillips Academy | 35.1 |
| 2 | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology | 34.9 |
| 3 | Stuyvesant High School | 34.8 |
| 4 | Bronx High School of Science | 34.7 |
| 5 | Brooklyn Latin School | 34.6 |
Notre Dame’s Average ACT Scores for First-Time Students
The following table shows the average ACT scores for first-time Notre Dame students:
| Class | Average ACT Score |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 30.5 |
| 2021 | 30.4 |
| 2020 | 30.3 |
| 2019 | 30.2 |
| 2018 | 30.1 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that students make when preparing for the ACT. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Don’t try to cram everything in at the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
- Don’t focus on memorizing the test questions. Instead, focus on understanding the concepts.
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.
Preparing for the ACT
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the ACT. Here are a few tips:
- Take a practice test to get a baseline score.
- Identify the areas you need to improve.
- Create a study plan and stick to it.
- Take advantage of the free tutoring center at Notre Dame.
- Use online practice tests to get a feel for the real test.
The ACT is an important test, but it is not the only factor that Notre Dame considers when making admissions decisions. However, it is an important factor, and it can definitely help you stand out from the crowd.
