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29 ACT to SAT score

A 29 ACT is equivalent to about a 1340 SAT — roughly the 90th percentile of all test-takers. Here's what that means, section by section, and for your college list.

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29 ACT≈1340 SAT~90th percentile

What a 29 ACT converts to

On the official concordance, a 29 ACT lines up with an SAT total in the 1330–1350 range. A single best-estimate number is 1340.

Colleges accept the ACT and SAT interchangeably and use this same concordance to compare applicants — so converting your score lets you line it up against a school's published range and decide which result is stronger to submit.

  • Composite: 29 ACT ≈ 1340 SAT (range 1330–1350).
  • Percentile: about the 90th — you scored higher than roughly 90% of students.
  • Only the overlapping sections convert — ACT Science has no SAT equivalent, so it doesn't factor into the total.

Section-by-section breakdown

Conversions work best on the overlapping content. Here's roughly how the sections line up — treat these as estimates, since a single composite can come from different section mixes.

SAT Math≈ 670 / 800SAT Reading & Writing≈ 670 / 800
ACT SectionSAT Equivalent
English + ReadingReading & Writing ≈ 670 / 800
MathMath ≈ 670 / 800
ScienceNo SAT equivalent

Is a 29 ACT a good score?

In short: it's a very good score, around the 90th percentile. This is a strong score that's competitive at many selective schools and most public flagships.

you · 90thlower scoreshigher scores
A 29 ACT beats about 90% of test-takers. Hover the curve to explore other percentiles.
  • You scored higher than about 90% of test-takers nationwide (top 15%).
  • It's competitive at strong public flagships like UT Austin, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.
  • It can also help with merit scholarships and honors-program eligibility.
Reality check

Be realistic about the ceiling:

  • Not competitive at the Ivy League or top-10 universities — their 25th-percentile SAT is roughly 1470–1500, so a score here sits well below their admitted range.
  • Below the typical range at the most selective public flagships (UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, and honors tracks at UVA).
  • Below the median at most top-20 national universities — a retake meaningfully helps for reach schools.

What colleges is it competitive for?

A 29 ACT keeps a wide range of schools in play. Some examples in this band:

  • strong public flagships like UT Austin, Wisconsin, and Ohio State
  • selective private universities and well-regarded liberal-arts colleges
  • honors programs and merit aid at a wide range of schools
  • most large state universities as a comfortably competitive applicant

Always check each school's published middle-50% range — a score at or above the 75th percentile of a college's admitted class is a real advantage, while one below the 25th percentile is worth improving.

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Should you retake?

A focused retake can pay off.

  • Lifting your score one band can turn some reach schools into realistic targets.
  • Target your weaker section — that's usually where the fastest points are.
  • If you're happy with your college list, this score already opens plenty of doors.

The fastest way to decide is to take a full-length practice test and see where your easy points are — a focused retake usually beats a from-scratch grind.

How to improve a 29 ACT

A structured retake often adds real points from here:

  • Rebuild the fundamentals in your weaker section before grinding hard questions.
  • Learn the test's recurring patterns — a lot of points come from a small set of question types.
  • Simulate real timing so nothing surprises you on test day.

Frequently asked questions

What SAT score is equivalent to a 29 ACT?

A 29 ACT converts to about a 1340 SAT, with a typical range of 1330–1350 on the 400–1600 scale, based on the official ACT/College Board concordance.

Is a 29 ACT a good score?

A 29 ACT is a very good score — around the 90th percentile nationally. This is a strong score that's competitive at many selective schools and most public flagships.

Should I retake the ACT with a 29?

A focused retake can pay off. Lifting your score one band can turn some reach schools into realistic targets.

What percentile is a 29 ACT?

A 29 ACT is roughly the 90th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 90% of test-takers.

Do colleges prefer the ACT or the SAT?

Neither — U.S. colleges accept both equally and use concordance tables like this one to compare them. Submit whichever score is stronger after converting to the same scale.

Is the ACT easier than the SAT?

Neither is objectively easier; it depends on your strengths. The ACT is faster-paced and has a science section, while the SAT gives more time per question. Most students score similarly on both once you convert.

See your real SAT score before you decide.

Take a free, full-length Digital SAT practice test on Test Ninjas — then compare it to your ACT score with the chart above.