How Colleges View ACT Scores: Minimums, Superscoring, and Beyond

What ACT Score Do Most Colleges Want?

Most colleges look for ACT scores in the 20–30 range, depending on their selectivity. Competitive public universities typically prefer scores between 24–29, while top-tier private schools often look for 30 or higher. The national average ACT score hovers around 19–21, so scoring above 24 generally strengthens your application. However, many schools now have test-optional policies, meaning a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and essays can offset a lower score or even replace the need to submit one. Always check each college’s score ranges and admissions policy to decide whether your ACT score should be included.

The ACT is a key component in many college applications, but not all schools evaluate ACT scores the same way. While some universities use minimum score thresholds, others adopt a holistic approach, including policies like superscoring. Here’s a closer look at how colleges interpret ACT scores in the admissions process—and what you can do to stay competitive.

Understanding ACT Score Ranges

Colleges generally report the middle 50% ACT range of their admitted students, which gives applicants a sense of competitiveness. For example, if a school’s middle range is 28–33, about half of admitted students scored within that band.

Reach Schools: Your ACT is below the 25th percentile
Target Schools: Your score falls within the middle 50%
Safety Schools: Your score is above the 75th percentile

Knowing where you stand helps you build a balanced college list.

Do Colleges Have Minimum ACT Scores?

Some institutions, particularly state schools or specific programs (like engineering or nursing), may have minimum ACT scores required for admission or scholarship eligibility. These are often listed clearly on their admissions pages. However, many selective private colleges do not list minimums, preferring to evaluate students holistically.

Keep in mind:

Meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee admission.
Falling below a minimum (if one exists) may disqualify you from consideration or trigger further review.

What Is ACT Superscoring?

Superscoring is when a college takes your highest section scores across multiple ACT attempts and combines them into a new composite score. This can boost your application, especially if you improved in different sections on separate test dates.

For example:

Test 1: English 30, Math 26, Reading 28, Science 25 → Composite: 27.25
Test 2: English 28, Math 29, Reading 27, Science 30 → Composite: 28.5
Superscore: English 30, Math 29, Reading 28, Science 30 → Composite: 29.25

Not all colleges superscore the ACT, so check each school’s policy.

How ACT Scores Fit Into Holistic Admissions

Even at test-optional schools, ACT scores can still play a meaningful role in:

Scholarship awards
Course placement
Demonstrating academic strength, especially in the absence of AP or honors classes

At holistic schools, admissions officers weigh scores alongside GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. A high ACT score can help balance a lower GPA—or vice versa.

Final Tips for ACT Score Strategy

Take the ACT more than once: If your colleges superscore, multiple attempts could help.
Prep strategically: Focus on the sections that need the most improvement.
Send your best scores: Use score choice if available, but be aware some schools require all scores.