Students often want to know what a good ACT score? What they don’t understand is that the answer is not simple but nuanced.
A good ACT score relies on your targeted school or college, how competitive the school is, and how the ACT fits into your full application. Colleges don’t just admit students based on scores only. They assess them alongside grades, coursework, essays, and activities.
Here is what you need to know about ACT scoring and what different colleges expect. Based on this, you will also learn how to set a realistic score goal. Continue reading the following.
What Is Considered a “Good” ACT Score?
Here is a practical breakdown of what we believe is a good ACT score.
- 20–22 is a solid average that is suitable for many colleges
- 23–25 is an above-average range, which is ideal for many competitive applicants at many universities
- 26–28 is a strong score that opens the selective schools
- 29–31 Very strong, competitive nationally
- 32+ Elite, Ivy League range
A good score should just match your academic goals, not someone else’s highlight reel.
ACT Scores for Ivy League Schools
Ivy League schools are competitive institutions by nature. They admit very few students with scores below 32.
| Ivy League School | ACT Range |
| Harvard University | 33–35 |
| Yale University | 33–35 |
| Princeton University | 33–35 |
| Columbia University | 33–35 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 32–35 |
| Brown University | 31–34 |
| Dartmouth College | 31–34 |
| Cornell University | 30–34 |
Test-optional policies remain, but strong scores still help. Submitting a high ACT score often strengthens an application.
ACT Scores for Top Universities in the U.S.
These schools balance selectivity with scale.
| University Type | Good ACT Score |
| Top 20 Private Universities | 31–34 |
| Top 50 Universities | 27–31 |
| Flagship State Universities | 24–30 |
| Regional Public Universities | 20–26 |
Many famous public schools admit students with scores in mid 20’s, especially with solid grades.
ACT Scores for Top Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.
Liberal arts colleges focus on classroom engagement and writing; however, the ACT expectations remain high.
| College Tier | ACT Range |
| Elite Liberal Arts Colleges | 31–34 |
| Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges | 27–31 |
| Regional Liberal Arts Colleges | 22–26 |
Schools like Williams, Amherst, and Swarthmore sit closer to Ivy League range.
ACT Score Ranges & Percentiles
The ACT percentile shows how your score compares to other students competing with you.
| ACT Composite Score | Percentile | What It Means |
| 36 | 99+ | Top scorers nationwide |
| 34–35 | 99 | Elite range |
| 32–33 | 97–98 | Ivy League competitive |
| 29–31 | 92–96 | Highly selective colleges |
| 26–28 | 82–91 | Strong universities |
| 23–25 | 68–81 | Above average |
| 20–22 | 50–67 | National average |
| 17–19 | 32–49 | Below average |
| Below 17 | Below 32 | Needs improvement |
A act score for college often means above the 75th percentile of your target school, not above the national average.
How ACT Scores Are Used in College Admissions
ACT scores are used for one clear purpose: academic context. Admissions officers use scores to:
- Compare students across schools
- Confirm course rigor
- Predict first-year success
However, they do not:
- Replace GPA
- Override weak transcripts
- Guarantee admission
In Test-Optional Admissions (2026 Reality)
Even if there is a test-optional system:
- High scores are largely helpful
- Low scores can be withheld
- Scores still influence merit scholarships
At Ivy Learning, we see students gain scholarship leverage when scores align with school medians.
How Does ACT Scoring Work?
The ACT uses a 36-point scale. You receive four ACT section scores and one composite score.
ACT Sections
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
From the ACT math section and science to other section score ranges from 1 to 36.
- Your composite score equals the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest whole number.
- There is no penalty for wrong answers. You earn points only for correct responses.
Optional Section includes:
- Writing test (scored separately from 2–12)
Most colleges do not require the Writing section as of 2026.
How Is the ACT Scored? (Updated Format Starting 2025)
The ACT introduced refinements rather than a full redesign. These changes continue into 2026.
What Stayed the Same in The ACT:
- 36-point scoring scale
- Four core sections
- No guessing penalty
- Composite score calculation
What Changed With ACT?
- Digital ACT availability expanded.
- More flexible test dates
- Improved accessibility tools
- Clearer score reporting for subscores
Colleges treat digital and paper ACT scores equally. There is no advantage to one format over the other.
How to Set Your Personal Target ACT Score
When preparing for the admissions in some reputed institute, you should understand how to set a realistic target ACT score. This step shouldn’t focus on perfection.
But on practicality.
Step 1: List Target Schools
Make a list of targeted schools within and around your area. Do thorough research for the best results.
- Reach schools
- Match schools
- Safety schools
Step 2: Find Middle 50% Ranges
Look for the schools that balance:
- 25th percentile
- 75th percentile
Step 3: Aim for the 75th Percentile
That score:
- Maximizes admission odds
- Supports scholarships
- Offsets weaker areas
Step 4: Factor Your Strengths
- A strong GPA will help in accepting a slightly lower one, too.
- A weaker GPA means taking help from higher scores
Setting a realistic ACT score goal is crucial as it will keep you motivated and focused.
Should You Retake the ACT?
Re-taking the ACT is a good idea only when:
- Practice scores exceed official scores
- Section imbalance exists
- Target schools expect higher scores
When aiming for a good ACT score, retaking will improve 1-3 points with focused preparation. So, you can take the ACT again, but aim for your ideal average score for better.
ACT vs SAT: Does a “Good” Score Differ?
When comparing ACT and SAT, it is often asked if their scores have any differences. However, the colleges treat both equally.
- ACT 24 ≈ SAT 1160
- ACT 28 ≈ SAT 1300
- ACT 32 ≈ SAT 1430
Choose the test that suits your thinking style.
Common Mistakes Students Make With ACT Scores
Here are the common mistakes that students often commit when preparing for a good ACT score.
- Chasing a score of 36 without a strategy
- Ignoring section balance
- Comparing scores without context
- Submitting low scores when test-optional
- Setting goals without school research
This is why opting for smart planning should be a thing. It beats raw ambition.
We are here for you! Schedule a call with our consultant for personalized advice on achieving your learning goalsYour success story begins with us!
FAQs About a Good ACT Score
Is a 25 a good ACT score?
Yes. A 25 places you above the national average and qualifies you for many strong public and private universities.
Is 30 a good ACT score?
Yes. A 30 ranks in the top 5–7% nationally and competes well at selective colleges.
Is a 20 ACT score bad?
No. A 20 fall in the national average and meets the admission standards of many colleges.
What ACT score do Ivy League schools want?
Most Ivy League schools admit students scoring between 32 and 35.
Should I submit my ACT score if it is average?
Only if the score aligns with your target school’s middle range.
Bottom Line
A good ACT score doesn’t have a singular value, but it is about context, goals, and preparation. For some students, 24 is ideal, while 32 is well-suited for many students, too. The right score can help your college application, but not entirely.
At Ivy Learning, we focus on guiding students to set a realistic target score, build confidence, and focus effort where it matters. When students know what a good ACT score is, the ACT prep becomes clearer and less stressful. Your goal is not perfection but clarity and progress.
