Is a 30 on the ACT adequate?

A 30 on the ACT is an excellent score that places you in the 93rd percentile of all test takers, meaning you performed better than 93% of students who took the exam. This score positions you competitively for admission at many top universities, including schools like the University of Minnesota and CU Boulder, where the average ACT scores typically range from 26-31.

Your score of 30 will definitely open doors for merit-based scholarship opportunities at numerous institutions. Many state universities and private colleges offer substantial academic scholarships for students scoring 30 or above on the ACT. These scholarship amounts often range from $5,000 to full tuition, depending on the institution and your complete academic profile.

For schools like the University of Minnesota and CU Boulder specifically, a 30 ACT score puts you well within their competitive range. The University of Minnesota's middle 50% ACT range is typically 26-31, while CU Boulder's is 25-31, meaning your score of 30 places you toward the upper end of their typical admitted student profile.

While you could potentially raise your score with a retake, the time and energy might be better spent strengthening other parts of your college application. Focus on maintaining strong grades, developing your extracurricular activities, and crafting compelling college essays. A 30 ACT score will rarely be the factor that prevents your admission to most universities, and the marginal benefit of a higher score may not justify the additional preparation time.