With the release of ACT scores, many juniors may be unsure of what their scores actually mean. Understanding their significance is important because ACT scores serve multiple purposes.
First and foremost, ACT scores help students determine if they are academically prepared for college. Additionally, they play a role in assessing progress on the ACT NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate), which estimates a student’s composite ACT score and predicts their potential performance.
For college-bound students, the question often arises: What is a good ACT score? According to On To College, an above-average ACT score is anything above 18, except in the reading section, where a score above 19 is considered above average. However, while an 18 or 19 might be above average, students aiming for competitive colleges should strive for even higher scores.
ACT scores also impact college affordability and admissions chances. According to PrepScholar, the average ACT score for college acceptance is a composite score of 21. However, meeting this threshold does not always guarantee admission. For example, if a college has an average ACT score of 25 and an 18% acceptance rate, students scoring only 25 would have a limited chance of getting in. In this case, a higher score would be more competitive.
Ultimately, the higher the ACT score, the better the chances of college admission and potential scholarships. For students hoping to attend a specific college, aiming above that school’s average ACT score can improve their likelihood of acceptance and financial aid opportunities.