In addition to ACT scores, high schools also consider students’ grades, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, instructor recommendations, and course selections when making admissions decisions. At elite universities, a grade of 23 places you in the top 10 percent of applicants. However, some highly regarded universities in the United States may reject you regardless of your grades. With a 30, you are in the top 9 percent of your class. So, yes, you can still get into the colleges accepting 25 to 30 ACT scores.
Which are the top colleges accepting 25 to 30 ACT scores?
When deciding whether or not to admit a student to a bachelor’s program, most schools in the United States look at the student’s ACT scores and demand to meet a minimum score to enroll. State and individual school policies vary widely in this regard. Here is a list of colleges accepting 25 to 30 ACT scores-
Colleges | Accepted ACT Score |
University of California, Los Angeles | 28-33 |
University of Hawaii | 21-27 |
Texas State University | 20-25 |
James Madison University | 23-28 |
Texas A&M University | 25-30 |
University of Illinois, Chicago | 21-29 |
Michigan State University | 23-29 |
University of California Davis | 25-33 |
University of Kentucky | 22-29 |
Ohio State University | 27-31 |
University of California, San Diago | 28-33 |
Pennsylvania State University | 25-29 |
Auburn University | 25-31 |
University of Houston | 22-27 |
University of Virginia | 29-33 |
Emory University | 29-33 |
Arizona State University | 21-28 |
University of Alabama | 23-31 |
University of Minnesota | 26-31 |
New York University | 29-32 |
It is important to remember that a student’s good ACT score will depend on the college or university they choose to attend. Your chances of getting into the college or organization of your choice enhance if you get a good grade.
How is ACT measured?
A total of four ACT subject tests (English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning) are required. Sub scores for the English, Math, and Reading examinations range from 1 to 18. (The subject score does not equal the sum of the sub scores.) As of this year, students who want to take the optional writing test will be given a score between 2 and 12; previously, this range covered 1-36. (rather than the last 1–36 range).
In the multiple-choice section of the exam, students will earn one point for each correct answer and zero points for each erroneous response. It is analogous to eliminating negative markings on specific Advanced Placement exams. Retaking the exam is one way to get admission in colleges accepting 25 to 30 ACT score. 55% of the students who do this experience an improvement in their score, whereas 22% see no change, and 23% report a decrease.
Some effective tips for each section of the ACT
A different body of information and approach to the ACT is needed for each section.
- Math section strategies
- If you have a calculator, then use it carefully. However, no calculator is required because all the issues are easily solvable by hand.
- Just use a piece of paper for rough work. Ignore your previous question if you do not know the answer, and revisit the question later.
- The test has several multi-step questions. Verify that your solution has all of the required components.
- English Section Strategies
- Make sure you grasp the broader context of a question before providing an answer. Think about how the underlined language works in context with the rest of the passage.
- Read the highlighted parts of the passage carefully. Think about the writing components that are present in the highlighted text.
- Take special note of the questions that have no highlighted text. There will be questions that need you to demonstrate an understanding of the whole material.
- Science Section Strategies
- Before diving into a solution, look at the supporting scientific documents given to you. Examine the relevant tables, graphs, and figures and read the complete text.
- In some instances, the data will detail tests that were conducted. Questions will likely revolve around the study’s experimental design, so consider the controls and variables.
- You’ll be asked to choose two or more possible responses that best represent the author’s point of view in several sections. It is beneficial to summarize each point of view and place it next to the relevant part in the exam booklet.
- Reading Section Strategies
- Underline critical concepts in the sections and write them down in the test booklet.
- When answering the questions, please refer to the relevant sections. The questions have answers that may be obtained by looking at the text of the passages.
Key takeaways
- The American College Testing (ACT) exam is widely used in the United States as a criterion for undergraduate admission.
- Although a higher ACT score improves your chances of being admitted to the top-tier institution of your choosing, it is just as crucial to know which colleges are accepting what ACT scores.
- Even though ACT scores are a significant factor in a candidate’s competitiveness, there are more factors that universities consider before granting admission.
FAQs
Question 1: What is the ACT exam about?
Answer: The ACT is a standardized examination measuring students’ ability to think critically and solve problems in various subjects.
Question 2: Can we take the ACT more than once?
Answer: The ACT is offered seven times a year. Twelve times is the maximum number of ACT attempts allowed.
Question 3: What is the significance of a high ACT percentile?
Answer: Colleges and employers will use your ACT percentile score to rank you relative to other candidates.