Colleges for a 31 on the ACT

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• About a 31 ACT score
• Colleges to consider with a 31 ACT
• Search the full list of colleges

Is a 31 ACT Score Good?

Scoring a 31 on the ACT is indeed an impressive achievement and is generally considered quite good when applying to colleges. Admissions officers view this score favorably, as it places you in the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 97% of test-takers. To put it into perspective, the national average ACT score hovers around 20, making a 31 significantly above average by approximately 11 points. In terms of the SAT, a 31 ACT score is equivalent to an SAT score of roughly 1400. A score of 31 indicates a high level of academic prowess and suggests that you are well-prepared for the rigors of college-level coursework.

Colleges that Accept a 31 ACT Score

A score of 31 opens doors to a range of colleges, from very selective institutions to top-tier public universities. Many prestigious colleges, including the University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, and Boston University, routinely accept students with a 31 ACT score. Public universities like the University of Florida and The University of Texas at Austin also typically admit students with this score. While a 31 makes you a competitive applicant for elite schools like Stanford University and Harvard University, these institutions are still considered reach schools due to their highly selective nature. For a comprehensive list of 203 colleges where a 31 ACT is within the typical score range of accepted students, explore the list below the introduction.

Should You Retake the ACT if You Score a 31?

Deciding whether to retake the ACT after scoring a 31 depends on your personal goals and the colleges you are targeting. If you aim to gain admission into highly selective schools, retaking the ACT might be a prudent decision. However, it's important to set realistic expectations; while some students may see an improvement of 1-2 points, substantial gains are uncommon. Instead of solely focusing on a higher ACT score, consider strengthening your application through other means, such as enhancing your extracurricular activities, improving your GPA, or writing compelling personal statements. These elements could significantly boost your chances of admission at reach schools.

Scholarship Opportunities with a 31 ACT

A 31 ACT score can also pave the way for numerous merit-based scholarship opportunities. Many colleges offer substantial scholarships to attract high-achieving students, and a 31 places you in a competitive position to receive these awards. Additionally, numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships for students with strong academic records. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college education, making it worthwhile to research and apply for as many relevant opportunities as possible.

Below, you'll find a list of 203 popular colleges where a 31 ACT is within the typical score range of accepted students. Whether you're aiming for public universities like the University of Florida and the University of Michigan or private institutions like Boston University and Syracuse University, a 31 ACT score opens many doors. For those targeting elite colleges like Harvard and Stanford, consider the broader aspects of your application to enhance your chances of admission.