What is the Average ACT Score?

Thinking about taking the ACT? Understanding how scores work and where you stand can help you prep smarter and aim higher.

I’ve studied score trends across multiple years, and the national average ACT composite score in 2024 was 19.4. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from how ACT scores are calculated to what colleges expect, using real insight from reviewing top prep courses and score reports.

Key Takeaways

• Average Composite Score: 19.4: The national ACT composite score for 2024 was 19.4 out of 36.
• Section Averages Near 19–20: English: ~18.6, Math: ~19.0, Reading: ~20.1, Science: ~19.6.
• Selective Schools Expect 27–32+: Students applying to competitive universities often need higher scores.
• Composite Score Includes Four Sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science scores are averaged; Writing is separate.
• Practice Tests Help Raise Scores: Full-length ACT practice tests improve pacing, raw scores, and test readiness.

How Is the ACT Scored?

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test made up of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section has a score between 1 and 36. Your overall ACT score is calculated by averaging the four section scores and rounding to the closest whole number.

The optional Writing test is also scored separately and does not affect your composite score.

Note: Starting in September 2025, the Science section becomes optional and is no longer included in the composite score under the new Enhanced ACT format. If you choose to take it, you’ll still receive a separate Science score.

What Is the Average ACT Score?

In recent years, the average ACT composite score has generally fallen between 19 and 21. ACT Section Score Breakdown

ACT section scores are fairly close across the board, though there are some small differences:

• English: about 18.6
• Math: around 19.0
• Reading: roughly 20.1
• Science: about 19.6

While scores stay relatively consistent, Reading and Science tend to edge slightly higher than English and Math. If you’re aiming for selective colleges, a composite score of 23 or higher keeps you competitive with other applicants.

Are ACT Scores Going Up or Down?

The national average ACT score has dropped from 20.7 in 2019 to 19.4 in 2024, the lowest in over 30 years.

Why the decline? A few key reasons:

• More students are testing without enough preparation
• Many schools now use test-optional admissions
• Some districts have less access to prep resources and support

Still, students who take structured prep courses, use practice tests, and improve raw scores tend to outperform national averages.

ACT Superscore: What It Is and Why It Matters

Superscoring is when colleges take your best section scores from multiple ACT test dates and average them to create a new, higher composite score. This means if you score better in Reading on one test and Math on another, you can combine those top scores to show your strongest performance.

✅ Example:

• Test 1: English 21, Math 25, Reading 23, Science 19 → Composite = 22
• Test 2: English 24, Math 22, Reading 20, Science 26 → Composite = 23
• Superscore: English 24, Math 25, Reading 23, Science 26 → Composite = 24.5, rounded to 25

Not all schools use superscoring, but many do, including some competitive universities. It’s especially helpful for students who want to retest strategically, focusing on improving just one or two sections without needing to ace the entire test again.

Tip: When planning your ACT prep, research your target schools’ superscore policies. If they allow it, consider multiple test dates to maximize your section scores.

What Is a Good ACT Score?

A good ACT score depends on your goals and target colleges:

• Average score: 19–21
• Good score: 23–26 (above average)
• Great score: 27–32 (competitive)
• Top score: 33–36 (Ivy-level)

A composite score above 23 is generally competitive at most colleges and universities. A 27+ places you in a strong position for selective admissions.

How ACT Scores Affect Admissions

ACT scores remain a key indicator in the college admissions process. Most colleges list their admitted students’ ACT score ranges by percentile. These are typically broken into the 25th to 75th percentile bands:

• Less Selective Colleges: Composite scores in the 19–23 range
• Selective Universities: Typically look for scores between 27 and 32
• Highly Competitive Schools: Expect scores of 33 or higher

Admissions officers use ACT test scores along with GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays to evaluate prospective students.

If your score is at or above a school’s 75th percentile, you’re a strong applicant. If you’re below the 25th percentile, you’ll need strong support from other areas of your application and help from one of the top college admissions consultants to stand out.

Improve Your ACT Score

Raising your ACT score takes more than just reviewing content. Success comes from strategy, timing, and regular practice.

Here are five ways to boost your score:

• Target Your Lowest Section: Whether it’s Math or Reading, boosting your weakest section impacts your composite score the most.
• Use Full-Length ACT Practice Tests: Simulate real test conditions, track raw scores, and analyze time spent per question.
• Prep Courses with Score Conversions: Choose a course that explains how raw scores become scaled scores.
• Strategize Test Timing: Learn when to skip, guess, or slow down. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.
• Understand the Digital ACT Format: With the new Enhanced ACT, students should practice on-screen and understand how section timing has changed.

The best way to follow these tips? If it’s in the budget, consider an ACT prep course. UWorld is one of my favorites because it gives you everything you need, but it’s on the low end of the price range.

Final Thoughts

The average ACT score nationwide is currently 19.4. While that covers a wide range of student performance, a score above 23 puts you ahead of most test takers. If you’re applying to competitive colleges, it’s a good idea to aim for at least 27.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first ACT or planning a retake, the key is preparation. Take full-length practice tests, work on pacing, and know how your composite score is calculated. Focused review by section and consistent practice often lead to better results.

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