Hi, I just got my ACT results back, and I scored a 27. I'm wondering if this is considered a good score for colleges? I'm planning to apply to a few state universities but also aiming for one or two private colleges. Should I retake it? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
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A 27 ACT score places you above average nationally, falling into approximately the 85th percentile of all test takers. This means you performed better than about 85% of students who took the ACT. For many colleges and universities, especially public state institutions, a 27 represents a competitive score that can contribute positively to your application.
For state universities, a 27 ACT score typically meets or exceeds admission requirements. Many public universities have average ACT scores ranging from 23 to 26, putting you in a strong position. This score should make you competitive at most state schools and many private colleges, particularly those with acceptance rates between 40% and 70%.
Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your target schools and other application components. If you're aiming for highly selective institutions where the middle 50% of admitted students score between 30 and 34, a retake might be worthwhile. However, if your target schools have average ACT scores around 25-27, your current score is perfectly adequate, and you'd be better off focusing on other aspects of your application.
Consider the rest of your academic profile when deciding whether to retake the test. Strong grades, challenging coursework, meaningful extracurricular activities, and compelling essays can often compensate for an ACT score that's slightly below a school's average. Additionally, many colleges now offer test-optional admission policies, meaning you might not need to submit ACT scores at all.
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