ACT Test Scores

Written by Matthew Lyons

Matthew studied Geography at the University of Cambridge and has two Master's degrees in related fields. He has extensive experience coaching students through all kinds of admissions procedures: from personal statements to interviews and admissions tests.

The ACT is an entrance exam used by colleges in the United States to help make admissions decisions. The purpose of the ACT is to assess your academic ability and readiness for college. The test is in a multiple-choice format and consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each of which is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.

Some colleges may also ask you to take an additional 40-minute writing test, so please check the relevant admissions websites to confirm this. In total, the ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes. However, if you need to take the ACT with the additional writing test, it’ll take 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Tests like the ACT provide colleges with standardised data to compare applicants with. And whilst your score is crucial, it's important to remember that the ACT is only one piece of the puzzle. College admissions officers look at ACT scores alongside GPAs, extracurriculars and letters of recommendation.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the ACT, including the scoring system, percentiles, and college admissions. We're here to help you navigate this vital stage of your academic career with confidence.

How is the ACT scored?

Each of the four ACT sections is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. Admissions officers use your composite score (the mean average of your scores for the sections listed above) to judge your academic abilities.

Unlike some other standardised tests, the ACT does not penalise for incorrect answers, so it's worthwhile to answer every question, even if you're not sure.

 

ACT score percentiles

You can use ACT percentiles to judge your scores in relation to your peers. Percentiles show the percentage of test-takers who scored below your particular score. For example, if you scored in the 75th percentile, it means you performed better than 75% of test-takers.

This information helps colleges rank and compare students, instead of looking at individual scores.

Score ACT Score National Percentiles
Composite English Math Reading Science
34-36 99+ 97+ 99+ 96+ 99+
33 98 95 98 94 97
32 97 94 97 92 96
31 95 92 96 90 95
28 90 88 92 84 91
26 85 85 87 79 87
25 81 82 83 76 84
23 74 75 75 69 74
21 64 66 68 59 62
19 53 55 61 48 50
18 47 51 56 43 44

Source: ACT Test Score - National Ranks

ACT scores explained

What is a good/competitive ACT score?

A ‘good’ ACT score is essentially one that ranks you higher than the majority of your peers. Good scores typically fall within the range of 24 to 30, with an excellent score being anything above 30.

However, what constitutes a good score depends on your expectations and the colleges or universities you're applying to. To maximise your chances of getting into a top college, aim for scores at or above the 75th percentile, which often corresponds to a score of around 24-30.

 

What is an average ACT score?

The average ACT score varies, but it is usually around 20. And whilst scoring near or above the average is commendable, keep in mind that more selective colleges expect above-average scores. The better your ACT score is, the higher the chance you’ll have of getting into your chosen college.

 

What is a low ACT score?

A low ACT score is generally considered to be anything below 20. A low score may not necessarily preclude you from getting into college, but it could limit your options, especially if you’re aiming at more competitive institutions.

However, please remember that the ACT is not the be-all and end-all. Your score is just one part of your application, and admissions officers take a holistic view of each applicant. This includes GPAs, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation and personal statements.

 

What ACT scores are needed for Ivy League schools?

So if you want ACT scores that are competitive with other Ivy League applicants, you’ll need to be aiming for a composite score of around 34.

And remember, getting into an Ivy League college requires not only exceptional ACT scores but outstanding extracurriculars and letters of recommendation, too.

  Ivy League school First-year students' average ACT score (composite)
Brown University (class of 2027) 34 - 36
Columbia University (class of 2027) 34 - 35
Cornell University (class of 2025) 34
Dartmouth College (class of 2027) 32 - 35
Harvard University (class of 2025) 34
Princeton University (class of 2027) 34 - 35
University of Pennsylvania (class of 2027) 34 - 35
Yale University (class of 2024) 31 - 36

 

How are ACT test scores used in the admission process?

ACT scores play a significant role in the college admissions process, serving as a standardised measure of academic achievement. However, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions committees also consider factors such as your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, letters of recommendation, and personal achievements when evaluating your application.

Thus, whilst strong ACT scores can boost your application, they should always be viewed in context. A perfect ACT score does not guarantee you entry to Harvard or Yale.

Generally speaking, US colleges want to see that their applicants are active, well-rounded people. So try to cultivate good relationships in and out of school and involve yourself in additional projects, be they academic or extracurricular.

FAQs

How many people get a perfect ACT score?

Getting a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT is extremely difficult but not impossible. On average, less than 1% of students achieve a perfect score each year. And whilst a perfect score would undoubtedly boost your chances of success, it's important to pay close attention to every aspect of your application—not just the ACT.

 

Are ACT scores used in UK university admissions?

The ACT is more commonly associated with college admissions in the United States, but some universities in the UK may accept ACT scores as part of the application process. The significance of ACT scores in UK admissions will vary depending from university to university. It’s essential to research the specific requirements of each course you're applying to.

 

When will I receive my ACT test scores in the UK?

In the UK, ACT scores are typically released within two to eight weeks after the test date. For example, if you take the test in April, you can expect to receive your scores by mid to late May.

 

How can I improve my ACT scores?

Improving your ACT scores requires a lot of hard work, strategy and targeted practice. If you can, consider enrolling in ACT preparation courses, working with a private tutor, or using online resources.

The key to an excellent ACT composite score is to identify areas of weakness and improve them. If your Maths test is lagging behind the others, work the hardest to increase that score; you don’t want one weak area to drag your composite average down.

It’s also crucial to develop effective test-taking strategies, for example with time management. The ACT is a marathon, not a sprint, and with proper timing, you’ll be able to devote equal effort to each section.

Practice tests can be invaluable tools for familiarising yourself with the format and pacing of the exam. Many students fall into the trap of spending too long on one section and then running out of time on another. This type of error could drag your composite average down, so pay close attention to the clock.

Improve your ACT score with A-List

A-List has been a leader in US university pathways for almost 20 years.

All of our tutors are first class graduates from leading US universities - including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Dartmouth and University of California - they combine in depth subject knowledge with insight into what it takes to succeed in some of the world’s most demanding academic environments.

For each subject area, we train our students in a thorough grounding of foundational to advanced content, stretching them with material beyond past papers and drills to produce articulate, well-rounded thinkers.

To enquire about A-List ACT support services, contact our Client Services team at +44 (0)20 3004 8101 or info@alisteducation.co.uk, anytime during our office hours Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm.

Discovery Session

Guiding Your Journey from Start to Finish

If you are new to US universities and the application process, we offer a free 15-minute session to guide you. Whether you are unsure about attending a US university, curious about your chances, or making a last-minute decision, our team are here to provide guidance and support.