Understanding ACT percentiles is crucial for setting realistic goals and choosing the right colleges. Here's what every score range means for your applications.
Your ACT score is more than just a number — it's a percentile ranking that tells colleges where you stand relative to every other test-taker. Understanding what your score actually means is the first step toward making informed decisions about your college applications and test prep strategy.
What Are ACT Percentiles?
ACT percentiles tell you what percentage of test-takers scored at or below your score. A 75th percentile score means you scored higher than 75% of all test-takers.
2026 ACT Score Percentiles
- 36 (99th percentile): Top 1% of all test-takers
- 34 (99th percentile): Competitive for Ivy League and top-20 schools
- 31 (95th percentile): Competitive for top-50 national universities
- 28 (88th percentile): Above average, competitive for many selective schools
- 25 (78th percentile): Solid score, competitive for most state universities
- 21 (50th percentile): Average score nationally
- 18 (35th percentile): Below average, may limit college options
What Score Do You Need?
The answer depends entirely on your goals. There's no universally 'good' ACT score — there's only the score that's right for your target schools. Research the middle 50% score range for your target colleges and aim for the upper end of that range.
How to Improve Your Score
The most effective approach is to start with a diagnostic test, identify your weakest areas, and focus your preparation there. Adaptive platforms like Wizeprep can automate this process, continuously adjusting your study plan based on your performance.