Is it bad to get a low score on ACT?

Median ACT Scores Unless you are aiming for non-competitive colleges (acceptance rate of 90-100%) or semi-competitive colleges (acceptance rate of 70-90%), a score below a 19 is a bad score for you.

What happens if you score low on the ACT?

If you have a low test score, it may be in your best interest to take advantage of test-optional policies, focus on other parts of your application, and, if possible, consider retaking the test.

Do colleges accept low ACT scores?

In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.

What considered a bad ACT score?

ACT Test Score Ranges

Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Should I submit a low ACT score?

If the other components of your college application are limited (maybe personal essays aren't your strong suit), you should consider submitting your SAT/ACT scores if they fall somewhere within the school's middle 50% — even if they're on the lower end.

What happens if your student gets a low SAT score?

Does GPA or ACT matter more?

According to a 2020 study, high school GPA is a better predictor of college graduation than ACT scores.

Is 19 a good ACT score?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.

Is 18 a good ACT score for a junior?

Is 18 a good ACT score? A score of 18 on the ACT doesn't give you a whole ton of options for college, nor does it make you a competitive applicant at most. To make yourself a prime candidate, you'll want to earn a score closer to the national average, which is 20.8.

How bad is a 13 on the ACT?

13 ACT Score Standings

You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

Is 1200 a good ACT score?

For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...

What is the lowest ACT score acceptable?

Smaller state schools local to you often accept scores in the 18-22 range. In fact, public universities typically have special admissions criteria for residents that allow or compensate for lower standardized test scores.

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

A 27 ACT score puts you a good deal about the national average (20.8) and makes you eligible for acceptance at a vast majority of schools. It also makes you competitive at some selective institutions, as well as eligible for merit aid! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

What if my ACT score is low but my GPA is high?

While your GPA and transcript are very important, your low ACT score may make an admissions officer question if your grades were “inflated” (which some teachers do) or ask if you took easy classes. They may think that your low ACT score is a better signifier of how prepared you are for higher education.

Why am I scoring so low on the ACT?

There could be a few reasons for this. The ACT measures different skills than your GPA, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. Additionally, test-taking anxiety or unfamiliarity with the format of the ACT could also impact your scores.

Why am I scoring low on the ACT?

There are many factors that can contribute to scoring lower on a standardized test than expected, such as test anxiety, timing issues, or unfamiliarity with the test format. It's also possible to excel in a specific subject area but struggle with the broader range of topics covered by the ACT.

Does your ACT score really matter?

Most colleges report publicly the average SAT and ACT score of their freshmen class. The higher the average the more prestigious they appear. Colleges care deeply about increasing their reputation and exclusivity, and test scores are a key way they can accomplish this.

Is ACT 18 bad?

A composite score of 18 on the ACT is below the national average and may not be considered competitive for many colleges and universities. However, it's important to consider that admissions decisions are based on a variety of factors, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Should I retake the ACT if I got a 24?

Should I Retake the ACT with a 24 Score? A 24 is considered competitive at many schools, so retaking the test isn't necessary unless a school you're interested in typically likes to see higher scores.

Is 18 good for ACT?

With a score of 18, you are in the 40th percentile of all test takers. You are in range for improvement and, with plenty of preparation, can better your score and widen the horizon of opportunity.

Do colleges accept 17 ACT score?

17 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1359515 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 64 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1443 schools with this score.

What is the average ACT score for the first try?

The average ACT score for first-time test-takers is around 20.

What is a 19 on ACT?

What percentile is a 19 ACT score? A 19 ACT score puts you at a 44th percentile, meaning you score higher than 44% of all test takers.

Is it hard to get a 19 on the ACT?

A 19 ACT score puts you at a 44th percentile, meaning you score higher than 44% of all test takers.

Will colleges accept a 19 ACT score?

19 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1110589 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 182 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1325 schools with this score.