What Is a Good ACT Score in 2026?
A good ACT score in 2026 depends on your college list. As benchmarks: composite 24+ is above average, 30+ is competitive for selective colleges, and 33+ is competitive for highly selective schools. The right target depends on where you’re applying.
Score breakdown
- 36: Perfect. ~0.3% of test takers.
- 34-35: Top 1%. Highly competitive at Ivies.
- 30-33: Top 5-10%. Competitive at most selective schools.
- 27-29: Top 15-25%. Strong at flagship state schools.
- 24-26: Top 25-40%. Solid at most public universities.
- 21-23: Above average.
- 18-20: Average. State schools, community colleges.
- Below 18: Below average. Test-optional important.
SAT to ACT comparison
- 1600 SAT ≈ 36 ACT
- 1500 SAT ≈ 34 ACT
- 1400 SAT ≈ 31 ACT
- 1300 SAT ≈ 27 ACT
- 1200 SAT ≈ 25 ACT
- 1100 SAT ≈ 22 ACT
- 1000 SAT ≈ 19 ACT
By target school
- Ivy League: Median 33-35. Competitive 32+.
- Top 25 universities: Median 32-34. Competitive 31+.
- Top 50 universities: Median 29-32. Competitive 28+.
- Top 100: Median 25-29. Competitive 24+.
- Most state universities: Median 21-25. Competitive 20+.
Should you take SAT or ACT? Both accepted everywhere. Take a diagnostic of each and pick the one you score better on relative to the national average.
FAQ
What’s the average ACT score?
Composite average around 19-20 in recent years.
Is 30 a good ACT score?
Yes. Top 5%, competitive at most selective colleges.
Is 34 a good ACT score?
Yes. Top 1%, competitive everywhere including Ivies.
Can I improve my ACT score?
Yes. Most students improve 2-4 composite points with 8-12 weeks of focused prep.