Is a 23 ACT score considered good enough?

A 23 ACT score places you in the 68th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 68% of test-takers. Whether this score is "good enough" depends entirely on your target schools and their middle 50% ACT range for admitted students. For many public state universities and regional colleges, a 23 is within their typical acceptance range.

Many state universities accept students with ACT scores between 20-26, making a 23 competitive for admission. Schools like University of Arizona, University of Nevada-Reno, and similar institutions regularly admit students in this range. However, if you're aiming for more selective colleges where the middle 50% of admitted students score 27 or higher, you might want to consider retaking the test.

Your ACT score is just one component of your college application. Admissions officers evaluate your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Strong performance in these areas can compensate for an ACT score that's slightly below a school's average. Many colleges also offer test-optional admission policies, allowing you to apply without submitting standardized test scores.

To decide whether to retake the ACT, research the average ACT scores for your target schools. If your 23 falls below their middle 50% range and you believe you can improve with additional preparation, scheduling another test date might be worthwhile. However, if you're satisfied with your college list and your score falls within their typical ranges, you may want to focus your energy on strengthening other aspects of your application instead.