What does your ACT score actually tell you about where you stand?
A composite ACT score between 1 and 36 places you somewhere in the national distribution of roughly 1.4 million test-takers, but the number on its own is hard to interpret. The percentile tells you what that number really means. Enter your score to see your ranking.
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How does your SAT compare?
Same data, SAT scoring scale. Composite and section percentiles.
What is a good ACT score?
The national ACT average in 2023-24 was 20.5, placing a student at the 50th percentile. A score of 24 sits at approximately the 73rd percentile. A score of 28 reaches the 90th percentile, and a score of 32 or above places a student in the top 3% of test-takers. For highly selective universities, the middle 50% of enrolled students typically score between 33 and 36. For broader selective institutions, 28-32 is generally a competitive range.
A "good" ACT score is context-dependent: it is any score that is competitive for the institutions on your list. Because ACT participation rates vary significantly by state, scores should also be interpreted with state-level context in mind.
What is the average ACT score?
The mean ACT composite score in 2023-24 was 20.5, based on approximately 1.36 million test-takers. This represents a slight decline from earlier years, partly reflecting changes in which states mandate ACT testing and which students choose to sit the exam. The ACT tests English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each scored 1-36, with the composite being the average of all four sections.
How does the ACT compare to the SAT?
The ACT and SAT test similar skills but with notable differences. The ACT has a dedicated Science section (which the SAT does not), and its Math section allows a calculator throughout. The SAT emphasises data analysis and has a stronger focus on evidence-based reading. Neither test is universally considered harder or easier; performance depends on individual strengths. A concordance table published by College Board and ACT shows approximate equivalencies: ACT 20 corresponds to approximately SAT 1010, ACT 24 to SAT 1160, and ACT 30 to SAT 1380.
Frequently asked questions
Both tests are accepted by all US colleges and universities. The choice is largely personal. Students who are strong in Science reasoning may prefer the ACT's dedicated Science section. Those who prefer more time per question may prefer the ACT's pace. Trying a practice test of each and comparing percentile outcomes is the most reliable way to decide.
There is no formal limit on ACT attempts. ACT Inc allows students to take the test up to 12 times. Most students who retake the exam improve their score: ACT data suggests that about 57% of re-testers improve their composite score. Many colleges use superscoring (taking the best section scores across attempts), which further reduces the risk of retaking.
Yes. A composite score of 36 is a perfect ACT score. In 2023-24, fewer than 1% of test-takers achieved a 36. A score of 35 places a student in the 99th percentile. Because the composite is rounded to the nearest whole number from the average of four section scores, it is possible to achieve a 36 composite without a perfect score on every individual section.
Scholarship thresholds vary widely by institution and award. Many state merit scholarships require a composite of 25-28. The National Merit Scholarship uses the PSAT/NMSQT rather than the ACT directly. At highly competitive universities, merit aid is rare regardless of test score because need-based aid is prioritised. Always check each scholarship's specific criteria rather than relying on general benchmarks.
For highly selective universities (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford), the middle 50% of enrolled students typically score between 33 and 36. For broadly selective institutions, 28-32 is generally a competitive range. A score of 30 or above places a student in approximately the 94th percentile, making them competitive at nearly any school in the US. Test score is one factor among many alongside GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities.
A "good" ACT score is any score that is competitive for the institutions on your list. The national average is 20.5 (50th percentile). A score of 24 sits at approximately the 73rd percentile, and 28 reaches the 90th percentile. For moderately selective schools, a score in the 22-26 range is typically competitive. Context matters: a 26 at a school where the median is 28 is below-average for that pool, while the same score at a school with a median of 22 is above-average.
Yes. The ACT has four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, each scored 1-36. The composite score is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest whole number. The Science section tests scientific reasoning and data interpretation rather than specific science knowledge, no advanced biology, chemistry, or physics is required. It is the most distinctive feature of the ACT compared to the SAT, which has no equivalent section.
- ACT, Inc. ACT National Ranks 2023-24. ACT Profile Report, National. act.org.