What Is a Good ACT Score? A Simple Explanation

If you’re wondering what a good ACT score is, you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting test prep or already comparing ACT scores for your target schools, understanding where you stand and what score you need is key to navigating the college admissions process with confidence.

For example, in one state, where an estimated 100% of high school graduates took the ACT in 2024, the average composite score was 18.0. That’s well below the national average, showing how scores can vary widely depending on where you live and who is taking the test.

From raw scores and percentiles to the ACT composite score and how colleges use test scores, here’s everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Shorter Test Format: The newest version of the ACT is shorter with fewer questions and optional sections
• Score Goals Vary: A good ACT score depends on your target school’s expectations
• National Benchmark: The average ACT score is around 20, but a 24 or higher is considered strong
• Trusted Prep Resources: Use test prep like PrepScholar, Achievable, and Prep Expert
• Boost with Superscoring: Superscoring lets you combine your best scores from multiple tests

What’s New in the 2025 ACT?

Before diving into score ranges, let’s talk about the significant updates. In 2025, the ACT introduced several student-friendly changes:

• Shorter test with 75 fewer minutes and 44 fewer questions
• More time per question, so you can slow down and think clearly
• Math now has 4 answer choices instead of 5 (other sections already did)
• Shorter reading passages to reduce fatigue
• Science and writing are now optional, allowing for more flexibility
• Both paper and online formats are still available
• Superscoring is still supported, and the 1 to 36 score range remains the same

Upon reviewing the updated structure, I immediately noticed how these changes aim to reduce stress and testing fatigue without compromising the integrity of the assessment. That’s a win for students.

Despite these changes, the core content and subject areas remain the same, and your composite ACT score still reflects your performance across four test scores: English, Math, Reading, and Science (if taken).

What Is a Good ACT Score?

In the simplest terms, a good ACT score helps you gain admission to your target schools. That means your definition of a “good score” will depend on the colleges you’re applying to, your academic background, and whether the schools are test-optional or highly selective.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 and includes three required sections: English, Math, and Reading. The Science section is now optional as of 2025. Each section is scored separately, and your ACT composite score is the average of the sections you take. There’s also an optional Writing section, which is scored from 2 to 12 and does not affect your composite ACT score.

Here’s the national breakdown:

• Average ACT score (composite): 19.5 to 20.3 in recent years
• Good ACT score: Generally 24+
• Great score: 30 or higher
• Ivy League school range: Typically 32–35+

When evaluating courses and test strategies, I’ve seen how students with a strong test plan can jump several points in just a few months, especially those who understand their score goals from the start. Knowing the average ACT helps you understand how your performance compares to other test takers, but your target ACT score should always be based on your dream school’s expectations.

ACT Score Percentiles: How Do Your Scores Compare?

ACT score percentiles help you see where your score ranks among all test takers. For example:

• A composite score of 24 puts you around the 74th percentile; you scored higher than 74% of other students
• A 30 lands you in the 93rd percentile
• A perfect 36? That’s the 99th percentile

These percentiles are crucial when comparing your ACT test scores to those of admitted students at your target college or university. As someone who has reviewed test score data for dozens of schools, I can say that percentile rankings often paint a more complete picture than raw numbers alone.

ACT Score Range at Different Colleges

Different colleges have different ACT score ranges for their admitted students. For selective schools, such as Ivy League schools, a score of 32 or higher may be necessary to be competitive. For many schools, including state universities and liberal arts colleges, a score of 24–30 on the ACT could be considered a good score. And for community colleges, ACT scores may not be required at all.

Always check the score report range for your target schools. Some publish the middle 50% ACT scores of their admitted students. This indicates the score range to which most accepted students typically fall, and provides a realistic target ACT score.

What If You Have a Low ACT Score?

Having low ACT scores doesn’t mean your college dreams are over. Many schools have adopted a test-optional policy, meaning they no longer require standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT. In these cases, academic performance, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations become even more critical in admissions decisions.

That said, a good ACT can still strengthen your college application process, especially if you’re applying to more selective schools, or if you have a learning disability and want to showcase your academic potential in a different way. I’ve seen applicants with lower scores gain admission to great schools due to a strong story, a solid GPA, or excellent recommendations. Numbers help, but they aren’t everything.

How ACT Scores Are Calculated

Your ACT scores are based on the number of correct answers; there’s no penalty for wrong answers, so always guess if you’re unsure. Each section gives you a raw score, which is then converted into a scale score between 1 and 36. Your ACT composite score is the average of your four test sections.

Here’s how it works:

• English, Math, Reading: Each is scored out of 36
• Science (optional in 2025): Also scored out of 36 if taken
• Composite ACT score: The average of your four test scores (if science is taken) or three if not
• Optional Writing score: Scored from 2 to 12 and reported separately

Your score report will include these individual scores, percentile rankings, and information on college readiness benchmarks. I always recommend students take a look at those readiness indicators; they offer a helpful snapshot of where you might need to focus next.

ACT vs. SAT: Should You Take Both?

It depends on your strengths and preferences. Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted by colleges, so you won’t be at a disadvantage choosing one over the other. The key is picking the test that plays to your academic strengths:

• Choose the ACT if you’re strong in math and science, work well under time pressure, and prefer straightforward questions. It includes a dedicated science section and gives you less time per question, so quick pacing is important.
  
• Choose the SAT if you’re stronger in reading comprehension, grammar, and data analysis. The SAT gives you more time per question and leans heavily on evidence-based reading and writing.

Pro tip: Take a full-length practice test for each. Compare your scores using official concordance charts and notice how you felt during each test. Many students naturally perform better on the exam that matches their learning and test-taking style.

Ultimately, the best test is the one where you feel more confident and focused. Colleges won’t care which you choose, only how well you do.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Getting a great score takes time, strategy, and practice. Whether you’re aiming for a math score boost or trying to improve your composite score, here are tips to help you prepare:

• Take practice exams: Begin with a diagnostic test to pinpoint areas for improvement
• Utilize test prep resources, tutoring, and courses from trusted providers such as UWorld, PrepScholar, Achievable, and Prep Expert
• Focus on section scores: Target specific skills in ACT math, English, or reading
• Simulate test day: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions
• Analyze your mistakes: Review incorrect answers to identify patterns
• Hire a college admissions consultant through Admissionado or Crimson

When testing tools and prep courses were reviewed, students who built consistent habits and reviewed their mistakes saw measurable results. A small bump in your ACT composite score could make a big difference in admissions decisions or scholarship eligibility.

What Score Should You Aim For?

Your target ACT score should align with the accepted students at your target schools. If your dream school admits most students with a 28–32, then aim for at least a 28; however, strive for a higher score if possible.

If you’re an international student, a strong ACT score can help prove college readiness, especially if your school system differs from the U.S.

And even if you’re applying to a test-optional school, submitting higher scores can only help.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a good ACT score? It depends on your goals. While the national average ACT score is around 20, a good score helps you stand out, meet your college’s expectations, and feel proud of your effort.

Whether you’re aiming for 24, 30, or a perfect 36, the ACT is just one part of the bigger picture. With the proper test prep, mindset, and strategy, you can boost your ACT scores and take one step closer to your future.

Start with a practice test. Build a plan. And keep your eyes on your target college, because that’s where your good ACT score will truly shine.

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