The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is a three-hour, multiple-choice test that covers four subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with a composite score that is the average of the four section scores.
What is a Good ACT Score?
There is no one definitive answer to the question of what is considered a good ACT score. The ACT scoring scale is divided into four ranges:
- Low: 1-17
- Average: 18-24
- Good: 25-30
- Excellent: 31-36
The average ACT score for the class of 2022 was 20.3, which is in the average range. However, the average ACT score for students who were admitted to the top 50 colleges and universities in the United States was 31.3, which is in the excellent range.
What is a Competitive ACT Score?
A competitive ACT score is a score that will make you a competitive applicant for the colleges and universities you are interested in. The average ACT score for students who were admitted to the top 50 colleges and universities in the United States was 31.3, which is in the excellent range. However, the ACT score that you need to be competitive will vary depending on the colleges and universities you are applying to.
How to Improve Your ACT Score
There are a number of things that you can do to improve your ACT score, including:
- Take a practice test. This will help you get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where you need to improve.
- Study the ACT test format. Make sure you are familiar with the different types of questions that are asked on the ACT and the time limits for each section.
- Review the content that is covered on the ACT. This includes English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
- Take advantage of ACT prep resources. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the ACT, including online courses, books, and tutors.
- Get enough sleep the night before the test. This will help you focus and perform your best.
ACT Score Ranges
The ACT score ranges are as follows:
| Score Range | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 36 | 100% |
| 35 | 99% |
| 34 | 98% |
| 33 | 97% |
| 32 | 95% |
| 31 | 93% |
| 30 | 91% |
| 29 | 89% |
| 28 | 87% |
| 27 | 85% |
| 26 | 83% |
| 25 | 81% |
| 24 | 79% |
| 23 | 77% |
| 22 | 75% |
| 21 | 73% |
| 20 | 71% |
| 19 | 69% |
| 18 | 67% |
| 17 | 65% |
| 16 | 63% |
| 15 | 61% |
| 14 | 59% |
| 13 | 57% |
| 12 | 55% |
| 11 | 53% |
| 10 | 51% |
| 9 | 49% |
| 8 | 47% |
| 7 | 45% |
| 6 | 43% |
| 5 | 41% |
| 4 | 39% |
| 3 | 37% |
| 2 | 35% |
| 1 | 33% |
Tips and Tricks for Improving Your ACT Score
Here are a few tips and tricks for improving your ACT score:
- Start studying early. The more time you have to prepare, the better your chances of improving your score.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to improve your score by too much all at once. Focus on making small, incremental improvements.
- Take practice tests regularly. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and track your progress.
- Use ACT prep resources. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the ACT, including online courses, books, and tutors.
- Get enough sleep the night before the test. This will help you focus and perform your best.
How to Step-by-Step Improve Your ACT Score
Here is a step-by-step approach to improving your ACT score:
- Take a practice test. This will help you get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where you need to improve.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to improve your score by too much all at once. Focus on making small, incremental improvements.
- Develop a study plan. This will help you structure your studying and make sure that you are covering all of the ACT content.
- Study regularly. The more you study, the better your chances of improving your score.
- Take practice tests regularly. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and track your progress.
- Use ACT prep resources. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the ACT, including online courses, books, and tutors.
- Get enough sleep the night before the test. This will help you focus and perform your best.
Pros and Cons of the ACT
The ACT has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- The ACT is a widely accepted test that is used by colleges and universities throughout the United States.
- The ACT is a standardized test, which means that it is fair and reliable.
- The ACT is a multiple-choice test, which makes it easy to take and score.
Cons:
- The ACT is a long test, which can be tiring and difficult to complete.
- The ACT is a timed test, which can add pressure to the test-taking experience.
- The ACT is expensive, which can be a barrier for some students.
