Does a low ACT Reading score hurt my application?

A lower ACT Reading score like 22 won't automatically derail your college applications, even at competitive schools like Georgetown. College admissions offices evaluate applications holistically, meaning your ACT Reading score is just one component among many factors they consider. Your overall academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation carry significant weight in the admissions decision.

When reviewing standardized test scores, most colleges look at your composite ACT score rather than focusing heavily on individual section scores. If your scores in Math, Science, and English are stronger, they can help balance out a lower Reading score. Many competitive universities also consider your highest scores from different test dates through superscoring, which allows you to combine your best section scores from multiple attempts.

To strengthen your application with a lower Reading score, focus on highlighting your academic strengths in other areas. Strong grades in English, History, or Literature courses can demonstrate your reading comprehension abilities more effectively than a single test score. Additionally, writing compelling application essays and showing intellectual curiosity through your extracurricular activities can help offset concerns about your Reading score.

Consider retaking the ACT if you feel you can improve your Reading score. In the meantime, develop a strategy to showcase your other academic achievements and personal qualities. Remember that many successful students have gained admission to competitive universities despite having some test scores below their ideal range. Admissions officers understand that standardized tests represent just one moment in time and aren't always the best indicator of your potential for college success.