A good ACT score is generally considered to be above the national average, which was about 19.8 in 2022. Scores around 24 or higher place you in roughly the 75th percentile or above, which is often regarded as a solid benchmark for many colleges
. More specifically:
- A score of 19-20 is around the 50th percentile, meaning average performance
- Scores of 24+ place you in the top 25% of test-takers, making it a good score for many schools
- Scores in the 27-32 range or higher are often expected by more selective colleges and universities
- Scores above 30 put you in the top 10% of test-takers, and 34 or above is in the 99th percentile, which is excellent
Ultimately, what counts as a "good" ACT score depends on the colleges you are targeting. Highly selective institutions may look for scores of 31-32 or higher, sometimes even 34-35 to be competitive
. For less selective schools, scores in the mid-20s may be sufficient. In summary, aiming for at least a 24 is a good starting point, but if you want to be competitive at top-tier schools, targeting a score above 30 is advisable
