Introduction

“How good does my child’s ACT score need to be?”
This is one of the most common — and most important — questions I get from parents and students.

The truth is, what counts as a “good” ACT score depends on the schools your child is applying to, their GPA, and what kind of scholarships or programs they’re aiming for. But don’t worry — this guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to aim for.

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ACT Score Range Basics

The ACT is scored from 1 to 36, averaging four sections:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Science

The composite score is the average of those four sections, rounded to the nearest whole number.

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National ACT Score Averages

According to the ACT organization:

• National average ACT score: ~19.5 to 20.5 (varies by year)
• Top 10% of test-takers: 29+
• Top 25%: 24+
• Bottom 25%: 16 and below

So how does that compare to what colleges want?

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What Is a “Good” ACT Score?

Here’s a general breakdown:

ACT Score	How It Ranks	What It Means
33–36	Ivy League / Elite	Extremely competitive — top 1–2% of applicants
28–32	Top 50 colleges	Strong for selective schools and honors programs
24–27	Mid-range colleges	Competitive for many public and private schools
20–23	Regional colleges	Meets minimums at many schools
Below 20	Below average	May limit options, but some colleges still accept

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Score Goals by College Type

College Type	Target ACT Score
Ivy League / MIT / Stanford	33–36
University of Michigan, USC, NYU	30–34
UC Davis / Wisconsin / Georgia	27–32
CSU Schools (optional)	22–27 (if submitted)
Community College	Not required

Tip: You can find ACT score ranges for specific schools on College Board’s BigFuture or the school’s admissions page.

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How ACT Scores Affect Scholarships

Even at test-optional schools, many merit scholarships are tied to ACT scores.
For example:

• Some schools award $5,000–$25,000/year for ACT scores above 28
• A score of 32+ can unlock full-ride offers at certain public universities

So even if your dream school doesn’t require the ACT — that score might be your ticket to saving thousands.

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So… What Score Should Your Child Aim For?

Ask:

• What are their top 3–5 schools?
• What are the average ACT scores at those schools?
• Are they applying for scholarships or special programs?

Then build a plan from there. It’s not about chasing a perfect 36 — it’s about hitting the score that opens the most doors for your child.

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We Help Students Set Realistic, Strategic ACT Goals

Every student is different. Some need a 29 for a scholarship. Others just want to hit a 24 to meet a program requirement.

In my remote ACT prep classes, I help students:

• Take diagnostic tests
• Set personalized goals
• Build a focused, achievable prep plan

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We’ll help your child reach the score that gets them in the door — and beyond.
Join our virtual ACT class today and take the guesswork out of college admissions.