I scored a 28 on my ACT and I'm wondering if that's good enough for any merit-based scholarships at state schools like UF or Michigan State. Do I need to retake it to improve my chances?
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A 28 ACT score puts you in a competitive position for many merit-based scholarships at state universities. This score places you in approximately the 88th percentile of test-takers nationwide, which means you've scored higher than about 88% of students who took the ACT. Many state schools actively recruit students with ACT scores in the 26-30 range by offering substantial merit scholarships.
At schools like Michigan State University, a 28 ACT score typically qualifies you for consideration for merit-based awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per year. For the University of Florida and similar competitive state institutions, this score meets the minimum threshold for several scholarship programs, though the most prestigious awards might require higher scores.
Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your overall academic profile and specific scholarship goals. If you're targeting highly competitive full-tuition scholarships at selective state universities, improving your score to 30 or above could significantly increase your opportunities. However, if you're seeking general merit aid and have a strong GPA, your current score of 28 is likely sufficient for many scholarship programs.
Consider balancing the time and effort of retaking the ACT against other aspects of your college applications. Many universities now take a holistic approach to scholarship consideration, weighing factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience alongside test scores. Your time might be better spent strengthening these other components of your application rather than focusing solely on improving your ACT score.
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