What Are Good ACT Scores 2024? What Is a Good ACT Score for College? How to Get a Good ACT Score Effective Strategies for a High ACT Score Common Mistakes to Avoid Conclusion
The ACT is a standardized test that colleges and universities use to measure a student’s academic achievement and readiness for college. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score.
The average ACT score for the class of 2024 is 20.3. This means that a score of 20 or higher is considered to be a good score. However, the average score can vary depending on the state or region in which you live.
The following table shows the average ACT scores for the class of 2024 by state:
State | Average ACT Score |
---|---|
Alabama | 19.1 |
Alaska | 22.1 |
Arizona | 20.4 |
Arkansas | 19.3 |
California | 22.6 |
Colorado | 23.2 |
Connecticut | 24.1 |
Delaware | 23.6 |
Florida | 20.7 |
Georgia | 20.8 |
Hawaii | 22.0 |
Idaho | 21.3 |
Illinois | 22.3 |
Indiana | 21.7 |
Iowa | 22.9 |
Kansas | 21.9 |
Kentucky | 19.7 |
Louisiana | 18.9 |
Maine | 23.3 |
Maryland | 23.0 |
Massachusetts | 24.4 |
Michigan | 22.1 |
Minnesota | 23.3 |
Mississippi | 18.4 |
Missouri | 21.0 |
Montana | 21.5 |
Nebraska | 22.3 |
Nevada | 19.9 |
New Hampshire | 24.0 |
New Jersey | 24.6 |
New Mexico | 19.1 |
New York | 23.7 |
North Carolina | 20.9 |
North Dakota | 22.2 |
Ohio | 21.3 |
Oklahoma | 20.1 |
Oregon | 23.0 |
Pennsylvania | 23.9 |
Rhode Island | 24.2 |
South Carolina | 20.0 |
South Dakota | 22.3 |
Tennessee | 19.8 |
Texas | 20.6 |
Utah | 22.0 |
Vermont | 24.5 |
Virginia | 23.0 |
Washington | 23.5 |
West Virginia | 19.6 |
Wisconsin | 22.6 |
Wyoming | 21.1 |
As you can see, the average ACT score varies significantly from state to state. This is due to a number of factors, including the educational resources available in each state and the demographics of the student population.
The ACT score that you need to get into college will vary depending on the schools you are applying to. However, a score of 24 or higher is generally considered to be a good score for college applications.
The following table shows the average ACT scores for students who were admitted to the top 50 colleges and universities in the United States:
School | Average ACT Score |
---|---|
Harvard University | 36 |
Stanford University | 35 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 35 |
Yale University | 35 |
Princeton University | 35 |
University of Pennsylvania | 34 |
Columbia University | 34 |
University of Chicago | 34 |
Duke University | 34 |
Northwestern University | 34 |
Johns Hopkins University | 33 |
University of California, Berkeley | 33 |
University of Michigan | 33 |
UCLA | 33 |
Carnegie Mellon University | 33 |
University of Virginia | 33 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 32 |
University of Texas at Austin | 32 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | 32 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 32 |
Emory University | 32 |
University of Georgia | 32 |
University of Washington | 32 |
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | 32 |
University of California, Los Angeles | 32 |
Ohio State University | 31 |
Purdue University | 31 |
University of Maryland, College Park | 31 |
University of Florida | 31 |
University of California, Santa Barbara | 31 |
University of California, Irvine | 31 |
University of California, Davis | 31 |
University of Pittsburgh | 31 |
University of Arizona | 31 |
As you can see, the average ACT scores for students who were admitted to the top 50 colleges and universities in the United States are very high. However, it is important to remember that these are just averages. There are many students who are admitted to these schools with ACT scores that are lower than the average.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your ACT score. Here are a few tips:
- Start studying early. The best way to prepare for the ACT is to start studying early. Give yourself plenty of time to learn the material and practice taking the test.
- Take a practice test. One of the best ways to prepare for the ACT is to take a practice test. This will help you get a feel for the test format and identify areas where you need to improve.
- Focus on your strengths. When you are studying for the ACT, it is important to focus on your strengths. This will help you improve your score in the areas where you are already doing well.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with a particular topic, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, tutor, or friend.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Getting a good night’s sleep before the test will help you stay focused and alert during the test.
In addition to the tips above, there are a number of effective strategies that you can use to improve your ACT score. Here are a few:
- Use a study schedule. Creating a study schedule and sticking to it will help you stay on track with your preparation.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to cram everything in at once. Set realistic goals for each study session and focus on one topic at a time.
- Take breaks. It is important to take breaks while you are studying. This will help you stay focused and prevent burnout.
- Review your notes regularly. Reviewing your notes regularly will help you retain the information that you have learned.
- Practice regularly. The best way to improve your ACT score is to practice regularly. Take practice tests and work through practice problems.
There are a number of common mistakes that students make when preparing for the ACT. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Cramming. Cramming at the last minute will not help you improve your score. Start studying early and give yourself plenty of time to learn the material.
- Trying to learn everything. It is impossible to learn everything that is on the ACT. Focus on learning the material that is most important and that you are most likely to see on the test.
- Getting discouraged. It is normal to feel discouraged when you are preparing for the ACT. However, it is important to stay positive and keep working hard.
- Giving up. Don’t give up on your ACT preparation. Keep working hard and you will eventually reach your goals.
The ACT is an important test that can have a significant impact on your college applications. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can improve your score and increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.