What Is a Good ACT Score in 2026?

Determining whether your ACT score stands out requires context. A competitive score aligns with your dream schools’ expectations, surpasses national averages, and positions you favorably among applicants. This guide breaks down ACT scoring, benchmarks, and personalized strategies to assess and elevate your performance.

Understanding the ACT Scoring System

The ACT assesses skills in four core areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each scored from 1 to 36. Your composite score is the rounded average of these sections, also ranging from 1 to 36. Starting in 2025, the composite excludes the optional Writing section, focusing on the primary multiple-choice components.

Raw scores—your correct answers—are converted to scaled scores accounting for test difficulty. Percentiles compare you to all test-takers: a 50th percentile means you outperformed half of them. The national average composite hovers around 19-20, placing about 20 at the median.

• Key Scoring Insight: Higher scores reflect not just knowledge but test mastery under timed conditions.
• Score Release: Results appear online 1-4 weeks post-test via MyACT account.

National Benchmarks: Where Does Your Score Rank?

Average scores provide a baseline. For the class of 2024, the national composite average was 19.4. Scores below 16 fall in the bottom 35%; 21 hits the middle; 24+ enters the top 25%; 29+ the top 10%; 31+ top 5%; and 35+ top 1%.

This table, derived from recent data, shows how scores stack up nationally. A 23 or higher lands you in the top 25%, deeming it ‘good’ broadly.

College-Specific Targets: Matching Your Goals

What qualifies as ‘good’ varies by institution. Selective schools demand top percentiles; others accept averages. Review each college’s middle 50% range—25th to 75th percentiles of admitted students—from their Common Data Set (C9 section).

For example, Ivy League schools like Harvard seek 35+ for peak competitiveness, with medians around 34-35. Mid-tier publics like Texas A&M or Penn State view 29 as solid, around top 10% nationally.

1. Build Your List: Categorize schools as reaches (75th percentile 5+ points above your score), targets (within middle 50%), and safeties (below 25th percentile).
2. Research Admissions Data: Check ‘Admissions’ tabs or Common Data Sets for ACT ranges.
3. Set Goal: Aim for the highest 75th percentile on your list to compete everywhere.

Trend: Post-pandemic, many schools went test-optional, but 2026 sees reinstatements. Strong scores enhance applications, especially for scholarships.

Section Breakdown: Strengths and Weaknesses

Beyond composite, section scores matter. Colleges weigh them for majors—high Math for STEM, English/Reading for humanities. ACT Readiness Ranges indicate college-course preparedness; scores outside suggest remediation needs.

• English: Grammar, rhetoric; average ~20.
• Math: Algebra to trig; target 26+ for STEM.
• Reading: Comprehension; 22+ competitive.
• Science: Data interpretation; 24+ strong.

Balance matters: uneven profiles (e.g., 35 Math, 20 English) may flag gaps. Superscoring—colleges averaging best sections across tests—boosts composites.

Strategies to Boost Your ACT Score

Improvement is achievable with targeted prep. Start with a full-length practice test to baseline.

Focus on pacing, question types. Resources: Official ACT prep, Khan Academy. Retake if below target—superscoring helps.

ACT in the Admissions Landscape

Scores are one piece. GPA, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations weigh heavily. Test-optional? Submit if at/above 75th percentile or stronger than GPA.

Merit aid often ties to scores: 30+ unlocks scholarships at many publics. For elites, 34+ strengthens holistic review.

Common Myths About ACT Scores

• Myth: One test defines you. Fact: Multiple attempts average favorably.
• Myth: Perfect score guarantees admission. Fact: Holistic process; even 36s get rejected.
• Myth: ACT harder than SAT. Fact: Choose based on strengths (Science favors ACT).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average ACT score in 2026?

Around 19-20 nationally, based on recent graduating classes.

Is a 25 a good ACT score?

Yes, top 15-20%; competitive for many state universities.

How do I find a college’s ACT score range?

Use Common Data Set or admissions pages; aim for 75th percentile.

Should I retake the ACT if unhappy?

Yes, if 3+ points below target; many superscore.

Does Writing section count?

Optional; composite now English/Math/Reading average.

Can I improve my ACT score significantly?

Absolutely; structured prep yields 4-6 point average gains.

Word count: 1728 (excluding metadata and references).

Written by

Medha Deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. Medha specializes in the areas of beauty, health, sports, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is…