Is a 31 on the ACT considered a good score?

A 31 on the ACT is considered an excellent score that puts you in the 95th percentile of all test takers, meaning you scored higher than 95% of students who took the exam. This score positions you well for admission to many highly selective colleges and universities, including most institutions ranked in the Top 50.

For context, most Top 50 universities report ACT middle 50% ranges between 29 and 34. With a 31, you're typically within or above the average range for many prestigious institutions. This score makes you a competitive applicant at schools like Boston University, University of Michigan, and University of Virginia, though the most selective institutions like Ivy League schools typically prefer scores of 33 or higher.

Regarding merit scholarships, a 31 ACT score often qualifies you for significant financial aid opportunities at many universities. Many public and private institutions offer automatic merit scholarships for students with ACT scores of 30 or above. These awards can range from several thousand dollars per year to full tuition at some schools. Large public universities often have predetermined scholarship tiers, and a 31 typically qualifies you for their higher award levels.

While your ACT score is just one component of your college application, a 31 demonstrates strong academic ability and readiness for college-level work. Focus on maintaining solid grades, developing compelling extracurricular activities, and writing strong essays to create a well-rounded application. Unless you're specifically targeting highly selective institutions where the middle 50% range starts above 33, spending time on other aspects of your application will likely be more beneficial than retaking the ACT to improve your already strong score.