If you just got your ACT results back, you are probably wondering whether your score is good. Maybe you are trying to figure out where you stand compared to other test takers, or you want to know how much improvement you need before your next attempt.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about average ACT scores, what scores are considered competitive, and what the numbers actually mean for your college prospects.
What Is the Average ACT Score?
The national average ACT composite score is 19.2 out of 36, based on the most recent data from ACT, Inc. This score reflects results from over a million students who took the test across the United States.
The composite score is the average of your four section scores: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored from 1 to 36.
| ACT Section | National Average Score |
| English | 18.6 |
| Math | 19.0 |
| Reading | 20.1 |
| Science | 19.6 |
| Composite | 19.2 |
ACT Score Range: Lowest to Highest
The lowest score you can get on the ACT is 1 for any individual section, which makes the lowest possible composite score a 1. In practice, almost no one scores that low.
The highest score you can get on the ACT is a 36 composite. To achieve this, you need to score a 36 on each of the four sections. It is extremely rare, with fewer than 1 in 1,000 test takers earning a perfect score.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A good ACT score depends on where you want to go to college. Here is a general breakdown:
| Score Range | Percentile | What It Means |
| 33-36 | Top 1-2% | Competitive for elite universities like MIT and Harvard |
| 28-32 | Top 10-20% | Strong for selective colleges |
| 24-27 | Top 30-40% | Good for most four-year universities |
| 20-23 | Average range | Acceptable at many schools |
| 16-19 | Below average | May need improvement for four-year colleges |
| 1-15 | Low range | Significant prep recommended |
What Is a Perfect Score on the ACT Test?
A perfect ACT score is a 36. If you have been wondering what is the highest ACT score you can get, now you know: 36 is the ceiling. To earn it, you need to score a 36 on English, Math, Reading, and Science. About 2,000 to 5,000 students out of roughly 1.4 million test takers achieve this each year.
Even a 34 or 35 puts you in the top 1% of all test takers, which is more than competitive enough for the most selective universities in the country.
ACT Scores for Ivy League Schools
Getting into an Ivy League school requires more than just a strong ACT score, but your score is one of the first things admissions offices look at. A competitive ACT score for any Ivy League school is around 34 out of 36.
Here is the middle 50% ACT score range for each Ivy League school and their current acceptance rates:
| Ivy League School | ACT Score Range | Acceptance Rate |
| Brown University | 34-36 | 5.4% |
| Columbia University | 34-36 | 3.9% |
| Cornell University | 33-35 | 8% |
| Dartmouth College | 32-35 | 5.4% |
| Harvard University | 34-36 | 3% |
| Princeton University | 34-35 | 4% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 34-35 | 6% |
| Yale University | 33-35 | 5% |
Even if an Ivy League school is not your target, this table shows how competitive top universities are. A score of 30 or above opens doors at many highly selective schools outside the Ivy League as well.
How Have Average ACT Scores Changed Over Time?
Average ACT scores shift slightly from year to year, but the changes are usually small. What counts as a competitive score today is not dramatically different from what it was five or ten years ago.
Here is how the national average composite score has trended in recent years:
| Year | English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite |
| 2025 | 18.6 | 19.0 | 20.1 | 19.6 | 19.2 |
| 2024 | 17.8 | 17.0 | 19.5 | 19.0 | 18.5 |
| 2023 | 19.0 | 19.4 | 20.5 | 20.0 | 19.9 |
| 2022 | 19.0 | 19.3 | 20.4 | 19.9 | 19.8 |
| 2021 | 19.6 | 19.9 | 20.9 | 20.4 | 20.3 |
The overall trend shows scores have declined slightly since 2021. This means the bar for what counts as “above average” has also shifted downward. A score of 20 or above now puts you ahead of the national average.
How to Improve Your ACT Score
Your score is not fixed. These steps make the biggest difference:
- Take a full-length diagnostic test first to find your weak sections
- Focus on your lowest-scoring section before working on others
- Practice with real ACT questions, not generic test prep material
- Work with a tutor who specializes in ACT strategy, not just content review
- Take at least two full practice tests under timed, realistic conditions
- Review every wrong answer and understand exactly why it was wrong
Most students who work with a structured program see meaningful improvement within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good composite score for the ACT?
A composite score of 24 or higher puts you above average and is competitive at most four-year universities. A 28 or above is considered strong for selective schools.
What is the highest you can get on the ACT?
The highest possible ACT score is a 36 composite. Each section is also scored from 1 to 36.
What is the lowest score on the ACT?
The lowest composite score is a 1, though this is extremely uncommon. Most students score somewhere between 13 and 32.
Is a 26 on the ACT good?
Yes. A 26 is above average and puts you in roughly the top 17% of test takers. It is competitive for a wide range of colleges.
Is a 21 a Good ACT Score?
So, is 21 a good ACT score? A 21 is right at the national average, putting you in roughly the 50th percentile. It is a solid foundation, and with the right prep, you can push into the mid-to-upper 20s with focused study.
For many state universities, a 21 is competitive. For more selective schools, you will want to aim higher. A few weeks of structured prep can make a meaningful difference.
Is an 18 a Good ACT Score?
An 18 is below the national average, placing you around the 38th percentile. It is not a bad score, but it limits your options at competitive four-year colleges.
The good news is that the ACT is one of the most improvable standardized tests. Students who get consistent coaching and practice regularly see score jumps of 3 to 6 points or more.
What is a perfect score on the ACT test?
A perfect score is a 36. It requires a 36 on each of the four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Conclusion
Knowing where your ACT score stands is the first step toward a smart test prep strategy. Whether you scored a 17 or a 29, there is room to grow with the right guidance.
At Blackmon Tutoring, our ACT prep programs are built around your specific score goals and timeline. Our students consistently improve by 4 to 6 points or more with structured, expert-led instruction.
Ready to see what your score could be? Explore our ACT prep programs at blackmontutoring.com.
Disclaimer: All score data, state averages, college ACT ranges, and acceptance rates mentioned in this article are based on the most recently available information at the time of publication. These figures are subject to change each year. Always verify current data directly with ACT, Inc. or the official university admissions website before making any academic decisions.