Receiving a lower-than-expected ACT score can be frustrating, especially if you’ve put a lot of effort into preparation.
However, this result is far from the end of the line for your college aspirations.
Whether you aim to retake the test, consider alternative colleges, or highlight other aspects of your application, there are actionable steps to help you reach your goals.
Here, we’ll walk you through each option, with specific tips and strategies to turn this setback into a stepping stone.
1. Assess your score against college requirements
Start by assessing how your score compares to the average or middle 50% ACT scores for colleges on your list. Many schools post score ranges online, often as a middle 50% range, which represents where the majority of admitted students fall.
How to research scores:
- Visit college admissions websites to find score ranges.
- Use tools like BigFuture by College Board to compare multiple schools at once.
- Note schools with flexible test policies, such as test-optional or test-flexible admissions, to determine your options.
Example: If your score is 22 but the middle 50% range for your top-choice school is 24–30, you might still have a chance if your other application components are strong, such as your GPA or extracurriculars.
2. Identify areas for improvement with your score report
Your ACT score report breaks down your performance in each section, including English, Math, Reading, and Science, which can reveal where you may need extra preparation.
Create a simple table to track scores:
| ACT section | Your score | Target score | Improvement needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 23 | 26 | +3 |
| Math | 20 | 25 | +5 |
| Reading | 24 | 27 | +3 |
| Science | 19 | 24 | +5 |
Plan for targeted improvement:
- Focus on sections with high potential for improvement: Identify which sections require the most improvement and offer the best chance for score gains.
For example, raising a section score from 19 to 24 in Science may be more attainable than smaller, incremental gains in higher-scoring sections.
- Use quality resources: Leverage trusted resources like Khan Academy for math practice or the official ACT practice resources for comprehensive subject reviews and practice questions.
- Take practice tests regularly: Use official ACT practice exams to simulate test conditions and track your progress. Aim to analyze each practice test thoroughly, noting patterns in missed questions and adjusting your study focus accordingly.
- Consider time management and question strategies: Sometimes, a lower score isn’t due to lack of knowledge but rather timing issues or unfamiliar question types. Look into resources that teach specific ACT test-taking strategies, such as process-of-elimination techniques or pacing methods, which can help improve both accuracy and confidence.
3. Decide if retaking the ACT is right for you
Retaking the ACT can be an effective way to improve your score, but it requires a realistic assessment of how much you can improve within a short time frame. Many students see score gains on their second attempt, especially if they approach it with a strategic study plan.
Questions to consider:
- Did you have specific challenges, like timing issues or unfamiliar question types?
- Do you have enough time to study effectively before the next test date?
- Would investing in a tutor or prep course be beneficial? Kaplan and Princeton Review offer reputable prep courses.
Helpful retake strategies:
- Focus on one or two sections where you need the most improvement.
- Set a realistic target score that aligns with your college goals and plan a study timeline.
4. Explore test-optional and test-flexible colleges
Many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, which means you may not need to submit an ACT or SAT score at all. These policies offer an excellent opportunity if your ACT score doesn’t reflect your full potential.
How to find test-optional schools:
- Use FairTest, a database of over 1,800 accredited, four-year colleges that don’t require standardized test scores.
- Research whether your chosen colleges are fully test-optional or allow test scores to supplement applications without penalizing students who choose not to submit them.
Benefits of test-optional:
- You can focus on strengthening other parts of your application.
- This can be ideal if you have a high GPA, strong extracurriculars, or a compelling personal statement.
5. Highlight other strong areas in your application
If your ACT score is lower than you hoped, use this as an opportunity to emphasize your strengths in other parts of your application. Colleges take a holistic view of applicants, so a lower test score can be offset by strong achievements, unique experiences, or demonstrated commitment in other areas.
Ways to strengthen your application:
- Personal statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your values, goals, and unique experiences. Use specific examples that highlight your resilience, passion, or creativity.
Tip: Focus on a meaningful experience or personal challenge that showcases your growth and self-awareness.
- Extracurricular activities: Demonstrate your commitment and leadership through extracurriculars, whether in sports, arts, volunteering, or other clubs.
Example: Highlight leadership roles, such as team captain or club president, or focus on long-term commitment to a cause or activity that aligns with your academic interests.
- Letters of recommendation: Choose teachers, mentors, or coaches who know you well and can highlight your skills, character, and potential.
Tip: If a recommender can address strengths not covered by test scores—such as creativity, critical thinking, or teamwork—this can add a valuable perspective.
Create a strengths table:
| Application component | Strength highlighted | How it supports your goals |
|---|---|---|
| Personal statement | Passion for environmental science | Aligns with intended major |
| Extracurricular activities | Leadership in community volunteering | Shows commitment and initiative |
| Letters of recommendation | Teachers emphasize work ethic and curiosity | Highlights qualities beyond academics |
6. Take advantage of superscoring (if available)
Some colleges allow “superscoring,” where they take the highest scores from each ACT section across multiple test dates to calculate a composite score. This can be an effective strategy if you struggled with certain sections in previous tests.
Check college policies: Not all schools accept superscores, so verify with each college on your list.
Superscore strategy:
- Focus on boosting one or two sections during each retake.
- Track your highest section scores in a table to determine your superscore potential.
| ACT Section | Test Date 1 | Test Date 2 | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 24 | 27 | 27 |
| Math | 20 | 23 | 23 |
| Reading | 25 | 24 | 25 |
| Science | 18 | 21 | 21 |
Many colleges appreciate the effort shown by students who work to improve their scores, so superscoring not only boosts your composite but demonstrates your commitment to achieving academic goals.
7. Explore SAT as an alternative test option
Some students find the SAT format aligns better with their skills than the ACT, due to differences in question structure, timing, and content. Taking a practice SAT can help you determine if switching to the SAT might result in a better score.
Key differences between the SAT and ACT:
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional) | Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math |
| Science Section | Yes | No |
| Math Content | Includes trigonometry | Limited to algebra and data analysis |
| Timing | Faster-paced, shorter questions | Slightly more time per question |
| Calculator Use | Allowed for all math questions | Only allowed for part of the Math section |
Why the SAT might suit you better:
- No science section: If science is a challenging area, the SAT may be advantageous, as it does not include a dedicated science section. Instead, science-related questions are integrated into reading passages.
- More time per question: The SAT provides slightly more time per question, which can benefit students who need more time to process information and avoid rushing.
- Focus on math and evidence-based reading: The SAT places a strong emphasis on algebra, data interpretation, and evidence-based reading. If these are strengths for you, the SAT’s structure may be a better fit.
Steps to determine if the SAT is right for you:
- Take a practice SAT: Start with an official SAT practice test to gauge your comfort and performance. This will give you insight into the types of questions and timing differences.
- Compare your scores: Use an ACT-SAT score conversion chart to see how your practice SAT score compares with your ACT score. College Board’s concordance tables can help you determine if your SAT score would likely be more competitive.
- Evaluate your comfort with the format: Reflect on how you felt during the practice test. If the SAT’s pace or question style felt more manageable, it might be worth focusing on the SAT for future testing.
Conclusion
A lower-than-expected ACT score doesn’t close the door to college opportunities. By understanding your options, you can make an informed decision about your next steps. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Broaden your college search: Look into test-optional schools if your score isn’t where you hoped.
- Refine your study focus: Use score reports to target weak areas before a retake.
- Explore SAT and superscoring options: An alternative test format or superscoring could work in your favor.
Each of these strategies can help you move forward with confidence and determination. Ultimately, the college admissions process values who you are as a whole, not just a single test score.