29 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Landing a 29 on the ACT opens familiar doors at schools like Florida and Clemson, and it gives you a chance at a tougher school like UNC Chapel Hill. You're looking at about 1,400 colleges that match this score, including hundreds of solid targets. That's a good spot to be in as you compare options.
How 29 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 93rd - higher than about 93% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1340 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,419 schools (347 target, 64 reach, 1,008 safety).
Is a 29 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 29 ACT is a strong score for a lot of well-known state universities. At Georgia (29-34) and Virginia Tech (28-32), it overlaps the middle 50%, so you are in range rather than stretching.
UCLA's middle 50% runs from 29 to 35, which puts you at the low end, and low admit rates still make it a reach. Michigan State (25-31) is a clearer match, with a 29 near the top of its usual band.
Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations still matter as much as this number. A 29 will not carry a thin application, and it will not sink a strong one.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 29 ACT
Your 29 overlaps the typical range at Florida State (29-32) and Penn State (27-32). UCLA (29-35) and UNC Chapel Hill (28-34) are still tougher to get into even though the score is in range. The tables below sort schools by how they line up: harder reaches, good-fit targets, and likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
A 29 is inside the middle 50% at the University of Florida (29-33) and Clemson (28-32). Those are realistic targets where you have a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Michigan (31-34) and USC (32-35) usually enroll students with higher ACT scores, so a 29 falls below their typical middle 50%. They are possible, but tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You sit well above the usual range at Arizona State (21-28) and Texas Tech (23-28). Odds look strong here, and a 29 comes with a lot of these backups.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 29 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 29 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 29 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 29?
A 29 is already a strong ACT score, so another sitting is optional. It mainly helps if you want more room at highly selective schools. If your current targets already feel right, you can skip the extra test and put that energy into essays and grades.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| Could help at highly selective reaches | Time away from grades and activities |
| May move you up inside some target ranges | Gains are not guaranteed after a 29 |
| Useful if you underperformed on test day | Another test date can add stress |
Focused prep often raises an ACT composite by about 1-2 points. Drill your weakest section, take a couple of timed practice tests, and review every miss instead of cramming new content the week before.
You can apply with this 29 if your targets already look like a fit, or prep for a retake if a point or two would change your mix of schools.
29 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 29 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 26 | 1240 |
| 27 | 1280 |
| 28 | 1310 |
| 29 | 1340 |
| 30 | 1370 |
| 31 | 1400 |
| 32 | 1430 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 29 ACT places you in about the 93rd percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 93% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 29 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 28 and 30
- Browse the equivalent 1340 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026