What Score Do You Actually Need on the ACT for Top 50 US Colleges?

Shreya Barman
May 13
3 min read

If you intend to enroll in one of these top 50 colleges in the United States, you must be wondering how important your ACT score is. Numerous institutions are shifting to test-optional policies, so it may seem that no scores are needed. Yet nothing could be further from the truth; a top mark on the ACT really does make the difference, considering that even now, a high score can boost your chances quite a bit - especially at institutions that are very selective. What score do you actually need to stand out from the crowd? Let's break it down.

What Score Do You Actually Need on the ACT for Top 50 US Colleges? — *Sources: Google Images*

Understanding ACT Score Ranges

The ACT is marked on a scale from 1 to 36, divided into four sections: Math, Reading, and Science. These are evaluated separately, and the results are then averaged, and a total score, which is referred to as a composite score, is obtained. Many prestigious institutions report the middle 50% ACT score range for their admitted students. The range here is defined such that 25% of those who took the test scored below the score, while the remaining 25% scored above it. If your primary aim is to put forth the best application possible, the smartest strategy to achieve a result at the top or higher.

General Benchmarks for Top 50 schools

Elite Universities (Top 10) - Schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Princeton: Middle 50% ACT scores typically are between 33 and 35. A score of 36 makes you very competitive, but 34 or 35 is also acceptable, especially if you have a good application.
Highly competitive schools (Top 11-25) - schools like Duke Northwest, Vanderbilt, University of Michigan and Notre Dame: The middle 50% ranges from 32 to 34.
Competitive Universities (Top 26-50) - Schools like Boston College, NYU, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Wisconsin- Madison: Expect middle 50% ACT scores around 30 to 33.

Do you always need a 34+?

Not necessarily. Most elite universities have switched to a holistic admissions process, according to which they evaluate the full package of your application, which may include grades, coursework difficulty, essays, leadership roles, recommendations, and unique achievements. A slightly lower ACT score can be balanced out by high achievement in extraordinary skills. Students who belong to minority groups, first-generation applicants or students with unique talents may not necessarily be eligible to receive the same score ranges.

Test optional policies: Should you still submit?

Even though there are many colleges that do not require test scores for admission, having high ACT scores can still be a big advantage. According to recent data from the common app, the applicants who submitted scores were admitted at significantly higher rates than those who didn't, particularly at the most selective universities.

If your ACT score lies somewhere at or higher than the school's published middle 50%, it's smart to submit it. Contrarily, if the score is much lower than the range, it is better to invest all your time in other areas of your application.

Conclusion

For applicants aspiring to be accepted to the best 50 US universities, reaching for an ACT score from 30 to 36 is a good way to go. Scores that are in the 33 to 35 range mainly make you a strong contender for the most selective schools; however, keep in mind that numbers are not the only thing to take into account. Universities look for students who not only have these qualities but also have the will to change for the better and who are curious, independent, and never discouraged. A high ACT score may give you the opportunity for the future - but your personality is the one that really allows you to be accepted. Focus on bringing forward the truest side of you and use your ACT score just as one part of your success story. We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for 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.