Understanding ACT Score Requirements
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. Understanding the score expectations at your target colleges can help you set realistic goals and build a balanced school list.
The "Middle 50%" ACT Range
Similar to the SAT, colleges often report the ACT score range for the middle 50% of their admitted first-year students. This gives you a great idea of what a "typical" admitted student's scores look like.
- Aiming for the 75th percentile score or higher will make you a competitive candidate.
- Falling near the 25th percentile means you'll need other parts of your application to be particularly strong.
Example ACT Composite Range for Stony Brook University
29.0 - 33.0
25th - 75th percentile Composite ScoreFor Stony Brook University, this range indicates that it is a highly selective school. To be a strong candidate, you would want an ACT Composite score of 35 or higher. A score of 31 would be on the lower end of the admitted student profile.
What is a "Good" ACT Score?
- 30 or above: Generally considered very good, competitive for selective schools.
- 24-29: A solid score, good for many state universities and private colleges.
- 20-23: The national average. Meets requirements for many universities.
- Below 20: May limit options, but many schools will still be within reach.
Test-Optional Strategies
If your ACT score is below the 25th percentile for a school you're interested in, and that school is test-optional, you may consider not submitting your score.
Explore Test-Optional Admissions