Hey everyone, I just got my ACT results and scored a 24. I'm not sure if this is a decent score or if I should retake the test. Could this score help me get into decent state universities or should I be aiming for a higher one? Also, would it affect scholarship opportunities significantly? Any advice would be appreciated!
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A 24 ACT score falls into the above-average range, placing you in approximately the 74th percentile among test-takers. This means you scored higher than about 74% of students who took the ACT. For context, the national average ACT score typically hovers around 20-21, so scoring a 24 puts you comfortably above this benchmark.
Your 24 ACT score can definitely help you gain admission to many state universities. Most public universities accept students with ACT scores between 20 and 26, making your score competitive for a wide range of institutions. However, highly selective universities and top-tier private colleges typically look for ACT scores of 28 or higher.
Regarding scholarships, a 24 ACT score can qualify you for various merit-based aid opportunities, particularly at state universities. Many institutions offer automatic merit scholarships for students with ACT scores in the 23-26 range. However, increasing your score could potentially unlock more substantial scholarship packages, as higher scores often correlate with larger award amounts.
Whether you should retake the ACT depends on your target schools and scholarship goals. Research the average ACT scores for your preferred universities' incoming freshman classes. If your target schools' middle 50% ACT range is higher than 24, consider retaking the test after focused preparation. Many students see score improvements of 2-3 points on their second attempt with dedicated study.
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