Is a 22 ACT score competitive?

A 22 ACT score falls near the national average, placing you in a competitive position for many colleges and universities across the United States. This score typically meets the minimum requirements for numerous state universities and regional private colleges, particularly those with acceptance rates between 60-85%.

For most mid-size state schools, a 22 ACT score puts you within a reasonable admission range. Many public universities in states like Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Kansas regularly accept students with ACT scores between 20-24. Your score would likely be sufficient for admission to these types of institutions, though scholarship opportunities might be more limited.

Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your specific target schools and academic goals. If you're aiming for more selective universities or hoping to qualify for merit-based scholarships, increasing your score could significantly improve your options. Many students successfully raise their scores by 2-3 points on a second attempt after focused preparation.

Your ACT score is just one component of your college application. Admissions officers also carefully consider your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you're satisfied with your target schools' typical ACT ranges and have strong performance in these other areas, you may not need to retake the test.

To determine if your score aligns with your college goals, research the middle 50% ACT range for your preferred schools. This information is typically available on universities' admissions websites or through the Common Data Set. Consider retaking the test if your score falls below the middle range for your top-choice schools.