What Is A Good ACT Score?

Wondering what makes an ACT score "good"? The answer depends entirely on which colleges and universities you plan to apply to.

This guide will explain the ACT scoring system, explore target scores for various college tiers (ranging from Top 100 institutions to Ivy League schools), analyze how ACT scores impact college admissions decisions (with special attention to the Science section for STEM-focused students), and share strategies for achieving your target score.

Understanding ACT Scores

Before defining a "good" ACT score, it's important to understand how the ACT is scored. The ACT consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36.

Your composite score is simply the average of those four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if you scored 30 in English, 28 in Math, 32 in Reading, and 29 in Science, your composite would be the average of those (30+28+32+29 = 119, divided by 4 = 29.75, which rounds up to 30). The optional Writing section is scored separately and does not factor into the composite.

What do these numbers mean in terms of performance? One way to tell is by looking at percentiles.

The national average ACT score in recent years is around 20–21. Scoring a 21 puts you right in the middle of all test-takers (about the 50th percentile). A score of 24, however, puts you roughly in the 75th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 75% of students. In general, many educators consider a 24 or above a solid, "good" score in a broad sense because it's well above average.

Higher scores correspond to even smaller percentages of test-takers: for instance, a 28 is around the 90th percentile, meaning you did better than 90% of students, and a 30 is around the 94th percentile. Truly elite scores are very rare – 34+ puts you in the 99th percentile (top 1% of all test-takers), and a 36 is the absolute perfect score (only a fraction of a percent of students achieve this).

Key point: "Good" is relative. A 24 might be great compared to the average student, but what if you're aiming for a highly selective college? That's where we need to consider your target schools' score ranges. Colleges typically publish the middle 50% ACT scores of their admitted or enrolled students – in other words, the range between the 25th and 75th percentile scores for that college's admits.

If your score is near or above the 75th percentile for a given school, it's generally considered very good for that school (since you'd be at the top of their incoming class range). On the other hand, a score around the 25th percentile might be considered on the lower end for that college (though still within their range).

What Is a Good ACT Score for Different Tiers of Colleges?

Every college has its own range of ACT scores that is typical for admitted students. Thus, a "good" score at one school might be just average (or even below average) at another. Below, we break down approximate ACT score expectations for different tiers of colleges in the U.S. Keep in mind these are general guidelines – there's variation even within each group – but these ranges should help illustrate the point that selectivity matters:

Top 100 Schools (Moderately to Highly Selective Colleges)

If you're aiming for a school ranked around the top 100 nationally, you're looking at institutions that are somewhat selective but not as ultra-competitive as the top 50. Many state universities and solid private colleges fall into this category. For these schools, an ACT score in the mid-20s to high-20s can often be considered a good score.

Range: A score around 25–28 is often competitive for many top ~100 schools. In fact, across the top 100 public universities, the average admitted student's ACT scores tend to fall roughly between 23 (25th percentile) and 28 (75th percentile). This means a 28 would put you at the upper end of the typical range at many of these schools.

Example: Oregon State University (a well-regarded public university) reports a middle 50% ACT range of about 22–28 for its freshmen. So if you scored a 28 on the ACT, you'd be at the 75th percentile for Oregon State – in other words, that's a good score for that school. Even a 25 or 26 would be above their average in this case.

Keep in mind that top 100 is a broad category. The lower end of the top 100 might include schools where scores in the low-20s are common, whereas schools closer to rank 50-60 (the upper end of this category) might prefer scores closer to 30. Always check the specific ranges of your target schools.

Top 50 Schools (Highly Selective Colleges)

Colleges ranked in the top 50 nationwide are quite selective. These include prestigious public flagships and well-known private universities. For these schools, the bar is higher: you generally want to be at least in the high-20s, and ideally in the 30s, on the ACT.

Range: A score around 30 or above is a good goal for top 50 colleges. Many of these institutions see middle 50% ACT composites roughly in the high-20s to low-30s. In fact, the average ACT section scores for the top 50 colleges cluster in the 30s (for example, average ACT English scores around 32–35 and Math around 30–34 at top 50 schools). This implies that strong composite scores (31, 32, 33, etc.) are the norm.

Example: Bowdoin College (a top-ranked liberal arts college, often listed near the top 50 overall) reports an average ACT score for incoming freshmen between 30 and 33. Similarly, many other schools in the 30s-50s rank range have average ACT composites about 30-32. If you have a 30, you're around the middle for these selective schools; a 33 would make you stand out as a higher-end applicant.

At top 50 schools, an ACT score in the upper 20s (27, 28, 29) might be on the lower side of the range, while anything 30+ moves you into a stronger position. For instance, a 29 might be just below the 25th percentile at some top 50 universities, whereas a 32 might be near or above the 75th percentile at many of them. In short, the closer you can get to the low-30s or higher, the better your chances at these highly selective institutions.

Top 30 Schools (Very Highly Selective Colleges)

The top 30 colleges in the U.S. are extremely competitive. This group includes many elite private universities and a few of the most competitive public universities. Here, ACT scores of admitted students are generally in the low-to-mid 30s on average.

Range: Scores in the 32–34 range are typically considered good for schools in the top 30. The middle 50% ranges at these colleges often start around 30 or 31 at the low end and go up to 34 or 35 at the high end. In fact, recent data indicates the average composite ACT for the top 20-30 universities is roughly 33–35. So even within the top 30, being above a 32 means you're doing very well relative to their applicant pool.

Example: Take Hamilton College, a liberal arts college often ranked in the top 20-30. Its admitted students have ACT scores roughly in the 33–35 range (with a median around 34). Even universities like Emory, University of Southern California, or UNC Chapel Hill – which hover around the 20s to 30s in rankings – will have average ACT scores in the low 30s. For instance, an admitted student profile might show a middle 50% of 30–34 at such schools.

At this level, every point counts. The difference between a 30 and a 33 on the ACT can be significant in how your application is viewed. A 33 or 34 will put you near the top of the pack (above the 75th percentile at many top 30 schools), whereas a 29 or 30 might be closer to the lower end of the range. Therefore, for top 30-caliber colleges, aiming for the 30s is almost a necessity, and being in the mid-30s makes you a much more competitive candidate.

Top 20 Schools (Most Selective – Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.)

The top 20 schools in the country include the Ivy League universities and other ultra-selective institutions like Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Duke, University of Chicago, and so on. These schools have extremely competitive admissions, and the ACT scores of admitted students are correspondingly sky-high. A "good" ACT score for these colleges is, frankly, an excellent score by any standard.

Range: Generally, you should be looking at 33+ as a target for top 20 schools. The middle 50% ACT composite range at these elite universities often starts in the low-30s and goes up to 35 or even 36. For example, at Harvard University, the middle 50% ACT for recent classes was about 33 to 35 (meaning even the 25th percentile at Harvard was a 33!). Many of the Ivies and equivalents have 75th percentiles of 35 or 36, essentially near-perfect scores.

Examples:

Harvard or Yale: 25th percentile ~33, 75th ~35. In other words, the bulk of admitted students scored in the mid-30s.

Stanford University: A recent analysis showed Stanford's admitted student ACT composites clustered around 32 at the low end up to 35 on the high end. Another source noted the 25th percentile at Stanford was about 33 and the 75th was a perfect 36. Either way, it's clear you typically need well above 30 to be competitive for Stanford.

MIT and Caltech: These STEM-focused elites often have the highest ACT averages. It's not uncommon to see their middle 50% be 34–36. (For instance, Caltech's average ACT is around 35, topping the charts in some rankings.)

For the Ivies and top 20 colleges, an ACT score below 30 would be very low for their pool (often such a score would fall below the 25th percentile by a significant margin). Even a 31 or 32, which is an excellent score in general, would be on the lower side for these schools. A 35 or 36 is obviously fantastic and puts you at or above the 75th percentile at virtually any college. But remember, at this echelon, scores alone don't guarantee admission; almost everyone applying has a high score, so other factors come heavily into play. Nonetheless, aiming for a 34+ is wise if these top 20 schools are on your list, because you'll want to be in the upper range of what they typically see.

Note: While we've broken down these tiers by rankings (Top 100, 50, 30, 20), it's crucial to research each of your target schools individually. Use the college's published test score ranges as a guide. A score that's "good" for one top-20 school will generally be good for another, but there can be slight differences. Also remember that many colleges, especially in the top tiers, have become test-optional or test-flexible in recent years. If a school is test-optional, a good ACT score can still bolster your application, but if your score is below their range, you might choose not to submit it. Always strategize based on the specific context of each college.

The Role of a Strong ACT Score in College Admissions

Your ACT score is one component of your college application, and its importance can vary from school to school. Let's discuss how a strong ACT score can influence admissions decisions, and also touch on the specific importance of the ACT Science section for students interested in STEM fields.

How ACT Scores Influence Admissions Decisions

Colleges use ACT scores as a standardized measure to compare students from different high schools and backgrounds. Along with your GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars, the ACT (or SAT) is a key part of the holistic review process. Admissions officers do consider your ACT score – often in tandem with your academic record – to gauge whether you are academically prepared for their curriculum. According to the ACT organization, colleges routinely utilize ACT scores in making admissions decisions and even course placement for incoming students.

Here are a few specific ways a strong ACT score can help in admissions:

Meeting or Exceeding Benchmarks: Many colleges have typical score ranges they like to see (as discussed above). If your score falls at or above the 75th percentile for a school, it can be a green flag in your application, indicating you are academically capable relative to their students. This can sometimes help offset slightly weaker areas of your application. For example, if your GPA is a bit lower but you have an ACT score at the top of a school's range, it shows potential and readiness for college-level work.

Competitive Edge: At highly selective schools, everyone has great grades and usually strong test scores. But if you manage to have an ACT score that stands out (say, a 35 when their average is 33), it might give you a slight edge or at least confirm that you are within the top academic cohort. Admissions is never just a numbers game, but you don't want your test score to be a reason they might doubt your preparedness. A strong score ensures that's not a concern.

Scholarships and Honors Programs: Outside of pure admissions, many colleges use ACT scores for merit scholarship consideration. Often, public universities have automatic scholarships or honors program invitations for students above a certain ACT threshold. For instance, a university might offer a tuition reduction to all in-state students who scored 30+ on the ACT. In this way, a great score can not only get you admitted but also help pay for college.

Course Placement and Advising: As the ACT officials note, some schools use your scores to place you in the appropriate freshman courses. A strong Math ACT might let you skip an introductory math class, for example. While this is after admission, it shows the score's utility in evaluating your skill level.

It's also important to acknowledge that an ACT score is not the be-all and end-all. Many colleges, especially in the wake of recent changes, have gone test-optional. That means if you don't submit a score, they'll focus on other parts of your application. However, if you do submit a score, it will be considered. In a test-optional scenario, a strong ACT can still be a plus (it can only help you if it's good, and if it's not, you can choose not to submit it).

In summary, a strong ACT score can reinforce your academic profile and sometimes open additional opportunities (like scholarships). It is one of several factors, but it's one you have significant control over through preparation. For competitive schools, think of your ACT as a foundational qualifier: it won't guarantee acceptance, but a low score could hurt your chances, whereas a high score can only help.

The Importance of the ACT Science Section for STEM Applicants

One unique feature of the ACT is the Science section. This section tests scientific reasoning, interpretation of data, and critical thinking using passages with charts, experiments, and hypotheses. If you're a student aiming for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) field or targeting colleges with strong STEM programs, you might wonder how much weight the science section carries.

While every section of the ACT is important (and colleges primarily look at your composite score), for STEM-oriented applicants, admissions officers may pay closer attention to your Math and Science sub-scores. A strong performance in these areas can demonstrate your aptitude for the kind of analytical and quantitative work that STEM majors require. In other words, if you're applying to an engineering program, having a Math and Science ACT score in the top percentiles can bolster your case that you're well-prepared for that coursework.

It's worth noting that the ACT is the only major college entrance exam that includes a dedicated science section. (The SAT, by contrast, does not have a separate science section, though it integrates some science-based questions into other sections.) Because of this, some students with an interest or strength in science prefer the ACT as a way to showcase that skill. In fact, ACT research has shown that nearly half of students have an interest in STEM fields, so the Science section offers those students an opportunity to shine. Colleges know this, and a high Science score can subtly indicate that you have strong data analysis and scientific reasoning abilities.

However, let's clarify: A 36 in Science won't automatically get you into MIT, nor will a slightly lower Science score keep you out if the rest of your profile is stellar. Admissions readers still mainly focus on the composite. But if, say, you are applying to Caltech or Georgia Tech, and your Math and Science ACT scores are both 35+, that certainly checks a box (it suggests you likely have the prowess to handle rigorous STEM classes). On the other hand, if you indicate an intended engineering major but have a significantly lower Science score (or Math score), it could raise an eyebrow or prompt a question during holistic review. They might wonder if you really are prepared for a heavy STEM curriculum, or if perhaps your interests lie elsewhere.

Bottom line: If you're a prospective STEM major, treat the Science section as more than just a random fourth section. Prepare for it seriously. A strong ACT Science score, combined with a strong Math score, sends a signal that you're ready for advanced science and engineering courses. And even if you're not aiming for a STEM field, doing well on the Science section can only help your composite and demonstrate your well-rounded academic skills. If STEM is your goal, the ACT Science section is your friend – it's an opportunity to highlight your scientific reasoning in a way no other standardized test offers.

(Tip: The Science section is less about specific science facts and more about interpreting experiments and data. So even if science isn't your intended major, practicing this section can boost your ability to think critically under time pressure, which is a skill that helps across the board.)

How to Score Well on the ACT

By now, you know why the ACT score matters and what score you might need for your dream school. The next question is how to achieve your target score. Scoring well on the ACT requires a mix of smart study strategies, the right resources, and good test-taking techniques. In this section, we'll cover practical tips on studying for the ACT, recommend some useful resources, and share test-day tips to help you maximize your performance.

Study Strategies

Preparing for the ACT is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some effective study strategies to help you boost your score:

Create a Study Schedule: Treat ACT prep like an important class. Make a study schedule and stick to it. For example, you might set aside an hour every weekday for ACT practice, with longer sessions on weekends. Consistency over time beats cramming. A schedule will help you cover all sections and avoid last-minute panic.

Use Official Practice Materials: One of the best ways to study is by using real ACT questions. Download the free official "Preparing for the ACT" practice booklet from ACT, which includes a full-length test. Take timed practice tests to simulate exam day. This will not only test your knowledge but also build endurance and familiarity with the test format.

Identify and Target Your Weak Areas: After taking a practice test or two, analyze your results. Which section is your lowest? Which question types give you trouble? Focus your study on those weak spots. For instance, if you struggle with the science section's data interpretation, practice with additional science passages. If grammar is tripping you up in English, review those rules (commas, verb tenses, etc.). Targeted practice yields big improvements.

Learn the Underlying Content: The ACT covers a lot of content: algebra, geometry, grammar, etc. Make sure you've reviewed the key content areas. This might mean brushing up on math formulas (like the equations of circles, special right triangle ratios, etc.), grammar rules (like subject-verb agreement, punctuation use), and reading strategies. Many prep books and online resources have content review chapters – use them for any topics you don't remember well from school.

Take Regular Full-Length Practice Tests: Space out a few full practice exams (official ones if possible) during your study schedule. For example, one at the beginning (to diagnose), one midway, and one a couple of weeks before the test. This helps gauge your progress and builds stamina. After each test, review every mistake and understand why you got it wrong. This reflection is where a lot of learning happens.

Stay Consistent and Don't Procrastinate: It's far more effective to study a bit each day over a couple of months than to try to cram in the week before the ACT. Consistent practice reinforces skills and memory. Plus, spreading out your prep helps reduce stress and burnout.

Recommended Resources

There is a wealth of resources available for ACT prep. Here are some highly recommended ones to consider:

Official ACT Resources: Start with the official materials from the makers of the ACT. The ACT website offers a free downloadable PDF with test information and practice questions. They also have an official ACT Prep Guide book (with 5 or 6 practice tests) and an online ACT Academy (which is a free online practice platform). Official questions are the gold standard because they most accurately reflect the exam's style and difficulty.

Online Platforms and Courses: Given the recent changes to the ACT, including the option to take it online, consider online prep programs. Test Ninjas offers solid practice tests and plenty of study materials for the price.

Practice Tests from Past Exams: Besides the official guide, you can find past ACT tests released publicly. Do a web search for terms like "ACT past test PDF" – these are real exams given in previous years. Practicing with these is incredibly valuable. Just ensure they're legit released versions (usually from ACT through state testing releases).