The highest possible ACT score? 36.
The national average? 19.9.
So, what’s a good score? It depends on your goals. A 23+ puts you above average for college admissions, while top-tier schools expect 33+. If you’re taking the ACT for high school graduation, check your state’s required score—often lower than college benchmarks.
ACT Scoring 101
The ACT is scored on a 1–36 scale, with four sections:
✅ English
✅ Math
✅ Reading
✅ Science
Your composite score is the average of your four section scores.
National Average ACT Scores (Class of 2021–2023)
| Section | Average Score |
|---|---|
| English | 19.0 |
| Math | 19.4 |
| Reading | 20.5 |
| Science | 20.0 |
| Composite | 19.9 |
What does this mean?
🔹 Higher scores = More college options.
🔹 Graduation requirement? Check your state’s minimum.
Above-Average ACT Scores = More College & Career Options
Higher ACT scores = better opportunities, whether you’re applying to college or meeting a high school diploma requirement.
ACT Score Ranges for Selective Colleges
| School | ACT Composite (25th–75th Percentile) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | 34–35 | 4% |
| Harvard College | 33–36 | 7% |
| MIT | 34–36 | 7% |
| NYU | 32–35 | 13% |
| Princeton University | 33–35 | 4% |
| UC Berkeley | 33–35 | 4% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 33–35 | 9% |
| Yale University | 33–35 | 5% |
🎯 Ivy League goal? Aim for 33+.
🎓 Graduation-bound? If your state requires an ACT composite of 18, focus on meeting or exceeding that number in your strongest subjects.
What If My ACT Score is Below Average?
Below a 15? That’s considered low for most four-year colleges. But don’t panic! Some states let you retake just one section to meet the graduation benchmark.
Need to boost your ACT score? We can help!
Why a Higher ACT Score Matters
✔️ Graduation – Meet diploma requirements.
💰 Scholarships – Higher scores = more aid.
🎯 Test-Optional Schools – A strong score still strengthens your application.
🏆 More College & Career Choices – Better scores = more options.
Unless you’ve hit 36, there’s room to grow—and we’re here to help!
📞 Let’s talk! Contact us