What Is a Good ACT Score for Top 50 US Colleges in 2025?

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive and many universities reinstating standardized test requirements, understanding what constitutes a strong ACT score for top-tier institutions is more important than ever. Here is everything you need to know about 2025 ACT score expectations if you want to get into one of the most prominent universities in the USA. 

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National ACT Score Context

Before diving into top college requirements, it's crucial to understand where you stand nationally:

• National Average: According to data from the ACT organization, the national average composite ACT score was 19.4 for the class of 2024

• Above Average: The score is generally considered high if it's 24 or above, this puts the student in the top 25%

• Excellent Range: Scores of 30 and higher place you in the 93rd percentile or higher

ACT Score Requirements by College Tier

Elite Tier (Top 10-15 Universities)

Target Score Range: 34-36

An average composite ACT score of 36 is reported by all of the schools with the highest average ACT scores for admitted students, including:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

• University of Pennsylvania

• University of California, Berkeley

• Cornell University

• University of Chicago

• Yale University

• Princeton University

• Columbia University

• Johns Hopkins University

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

• New York University (NYU)

Highly Selective Tier (Top 16-35)

Target Score Range: 27-34

Schools in this category include:

• Northwestern University

• University of California, San Diego

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Duke University

• Brown University

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of Washington

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Rice University

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Boston University

• Dartmouth College

• Washington University in St. Louis

• Vanderbilt University

• University of California, Santa Barbara

• Emory University

• University of California, Davis

• University of Southern California

• University of Pittsburgh

Competitive Tier (Top 36-50)

Target Score Range: 22-27

Both prestigious state flagship institutions and robust regional universities are included in this tier.

The Bottom Line

For the top 50 US colleges in 2025, aim for these minimum ACT scores:

• Top 15 schools: 34+ (with 36 being increasingly common)

• Top 16-35 schools: 27+

• Top 36-50 schools: 22+

Remember that different colleges have varying average ACT score ranges, so research each target school individually. While standardised test scores are essential, they're just one piece of application that tells your story.

We understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we're here to support you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.

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