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Good ACT Score: A composite of 21 is considered to be a good ACT score. That being said, it is advised that ACT test-takers strive to achieve a score of 24 in each section of the standardised exam. The American College Test (ACT) is one of the most esteemed tests in the world. Every year, more than 2.5 million students take the exam, making it a fiercely competitive test that demands excellent preparation. An amazing standardized test result, along with an outstanding personal statement, a high GPA, and strong letters of recommendation, can help you get into a top college. If you intend to take the ACT and want a good ACT score, keep reading this blog to learn how you can improve it!
| Name of the Exam | American College Testing (ACT) |
| Administered By | ACT Inc. |
| Level of Exam | International Standardized Test |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based |
| Duration | 2 hours 55 minutes (+40 minutes essay- Optional) |
| Sections | English, Reading, Maths, Science (Writing- Optional) |
| Negative Marking | NA |
| Max Scores | 36 |
| Average Score | 21 |
| Fees | With Writing Section- $85/ Without Writing Section- $ 60 |
| Validity | No Expiration |
This Blog Includes:
What is ACT? Importance and Benefits
The ACT is one of the most eminent and widely accepted standardised tests administered by ACT, Inc., for admission purposes in the top universities in the US and Canada. Here are some of the benefits of taking the ACT exam. Have a look:
- This MCQ-based exam is primarily conducted to assess and evaluate students’ written, verbal, mathematical, and scientific abilities.
- Students who have these skills can easily get a place in the institutions of their choice.
- More than 225 universities abroad and nearly all 4-year colleges and universities in the US accept the ACT exam.
- The ACT evaluates the academic prowess and readiness of students for college and provides universities with a comparable piece of information to evaluate all applicants.
It must be kept in mind that standardized test results are compared to candidates’ high school GPA, courses they took, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays by college admissions officers. It varies from school to school how significant ACT scores are in the college admission process.
What is a Good ACT Score?
Although there is no “passing” score, achieving a high score will help you get into more selective universities. Four components make up the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science. A scale from 1 to 36 is used to grade each subject. The average of your four section scores makes up your overall ACT score. You must try to get about 24 on each portion of the ACT in order to receive good results.
Here’s the range of average scores in each section
| Section | Average ACT Score |
| English | 20.3 |
| Maths | 20.7 |
| Reading | 21.4 |
| Science | 21.0 |
| Composite | 21.0 |
ACT Score Requirement for Universities in the USA
Here are the ACT Score Ranges for some of the popular colleges in the US. Have a look.
| Name of the University | ACT composite score (25th-75th percentile) | Acceptance Rate |
| Harvard University | 32-35 | 5% |
| Princeton University | 32-35 | 7% |
| Massachusetts Technical University | 33-35 | 8% |
| Yale University | 31-35 | 7% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 31-34 | 10% |
| University of California-Berkely | 29-34 | 15% |
| New York University | 29-33 | 32% |
How to Improve ACT Scores?
If you get a good ACT score, you’ll be in the middle of the pack for the institutions you want to attend. Knowing the value of an excellent ACT score, it is now time to focus on raising your score so you can attend the college of your choice.
Taking practice tests and studying sample questions is without a doubt the best approach to raising your ACT score. Understanding the format of the ACT exam, making a study schedule, regularly practising and setting realistic goals are some of the ways that will help you and pave the way for admission into your dream college.
The easiest way to determine the extent to which you have a decent ACT score is to find out if it meets the requirements for the school of your choice. It’s critical to ascertain whether the average ACT score of that competitive college is equal to or lower than your ACT score before submitting your college application.
So that was all about ACT scores and how to ace the test. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.
FAQs
Although getting a high score always gives you the best possibilities for admissions, certain US institutions do accept low scores, even below 17. There are, however, limited choices.
In general, the subjects covered by the SAT and ACT are the same. For making decisions about college admissions and giving out merit-based scholarships, ACT and SAT scores are both taken into consideration. The majority of colleges do not favour one test over another. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is more difficult than the other.
You should be eligible for lower-level scholarships with an ACT score of at least 25, at the very least. But as the quantity rises, the competition for scholarships increases, as does the possible scores.
Visit the Leverage Live page of Leverage edu or contact our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 to strengthen your scores and application to secure your spot in your dream college.
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