Is a 28 ACT score good?

A 28 ACT score is considered above average and puts you in the 88th percentile of all test takers, meaning you scored higher than 88% of students who took the ACT. This score typically meets or exceeds the requirements for many selective colleges and universities across the United States.

For context, the national average ACT score is around 20-21, so scoring a 28 positions you well above the typical student. Many public state universities and competitive private colleges consider scores between 27-31 to be strong. Schools like Penn State, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Texas often admit students with ACT scores in this range.

Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your target schools and their middle 50% range of admitted students' scores. If you're aiming for highly selective institutions like Ivy League schools or top-tier universities where the middle 50% of admitted students score between 32-35, you might consider retaking the test. However, if your target schools typically admit students with ACT scores between 25-30, your 28 is perfectly competitive.

Rather than automatically retaking the test, consider focusing on other aspects of your college application. A strong GPA, compelling extracurricular activities, well-written essays, and meaningful letters of recommendation can often carry more weight than a slightly higher test score. Additionally, many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning you can choose whether to submit your ACT score based on how it compares to each school's typical admitted student profile.