Is a 21 ACT score good?

A 21 ACT score places you at the 55th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 55% of test-takers. This score falls within the average range and can be competitive for many state universities, particularly in the Midwest. For context, many public universities in states like Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas typically accept students with ACT scores between 19 and 25.

Your ACT score of 21 will likely be sufficient for admission to many regional state universities and some mid-sized private colleges. However, more selective state flagship universities, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Wisconsin-Madison, typically prefer higher scores, often 26 or above. When considering whether your score is "good," focus on the specific requirements of your target schools rather than comparing yourself to friends.

Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your college goals and application timeline. If your target schools' middle 50% ACT range is higher than 21, and you have time to study and retake the test, it could be worthwhile. Many students improve their scores on subsequent attempts, especially with focused preparation. However, if your score meets the requirements for your preferred schools and you have strong grades and extracurricular activities, you may want to focus your energy on other aspects of your application.

Remember that most colleges practice holistic admissions, meaning they consider factors beyond test scores, including your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays. Some schools are even test-optional now, allowing you to apply without submitting ACT scores if you feel they don't reflect your academic abilities.