Is 25 a good ACT score? This is a common question among first-time ACT test takers. Many also question if such a score is good enough to get into college or university.
Well, considering that the average ACT score is said to be 21, a score of 25 on the ACT is good. It places you in the 75th percentile, meaning that only 25% of test takers scored relatively higher than you.
With this ACT score, you are eligible to apply to various schools, although you may be limited to a certain standard.
In this article, I will be talking about an ACT score of 25, schools that accept this score, and tips on how to prepare and score higher ACT scores.
Let’s get started.
Colleges and universities that accept an ACT score of 25
As I mentioned earlier, with an ACT score of 25, you have various schools you are eligible for. The only downside is that these schools aren’t the most prestigious, like Harvard and Yale.
Nevertheless, below I have compiled a list of some of the best schools that accept 25 ACT scores.
1. Reach schools
Reach schools are difficult to get into as their acceptance rate is low and their average admitted ACT score is higher than 25. However, a 25 on the ACT along with a good grade point average should give you a good chance of getting admitted.
Some of the most prestigious reach schools that accept this ACT score include;
- The University of Texas at Dallas – Richardson, TX
- Stony Brook University – Stony Brook, NY
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Amherst, MA
- Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
- United State Military Academy – West Point, NY
- Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
- Penn State University Park – University Park, PA
- Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA
- University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
- The University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee
2. Match schools
Match schools are known to be a perfect fit during application. They are less difficult to get into since a score of 25 falls on their average admitted ACT score. Along with a good grade point average, you should have a better chance of getting admitted.
Some of the most prestigious match schools that accept an ACT score of 25 include;
- Ohio University – Athens, OH
- University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
- Pace University – New York, NY
- Seton Hall University – South Orange, NJ
- Quinnipiac University – Hamden, CT
- Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO
- University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK
- Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan
- The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- San Diego State University – San Diego, CA
3. Safety schools
These safety schools are very easy to get into since a score of 25 is higher than their average admitted ACT score. Along with a good grade point average, your admission chances are almost certain.
Some of the most prestigious safety schools that accept an ACT score of 25 include;
- California State University Long Beach – Long Beach, CA
- Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
- San Jose State University – San Jose, CA
- The University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, TX
- Washington State University – Pullman, WA
- University of North Texas – Denton, TX
- Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, FL
- Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
- The University of Hawaii at Manoa – Honolulu, Hawaii
- The University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL
Other alternatives
Another alternative you can try is to apply for test-optional schools. These schools accept ACT scores but also can admit students without any test scores.
They use other credentials during their admission process, like your GPA, recommendation letter, and extracurricular activities are taken.
Some of the most prestigious test-optional schools are;
- Bowdoin College – Brunswick, Maine
- California Institute of Technology – Pasadena, California
- Bates College – Lewiston, Maine
- Cornell University – Ithaca, New York
- Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Should you retake the ACT if you scored 25?
A score of 25 on the ACT is competitive enough for many colleges. However, you can choose to retake the ACT if a score of 25 is not good enough to get admitted into your dream school.
In the next section, I will give you some tips that will help you when you retake the ACT.
How to prepare to retake the ACT
Whether you plan on retaking the ACT or this is your first time, you should find this tip helpful.
1. Assess your previous performance
The first thing you should do is assess your previous performance. This should give you a better idea of the subject or topics you did not perform too well on.
After identifying these topics or subjects, ensure you take note of them as you will be referencing them in your studies.
2. Take practice tests
As the old adage says, “practice makes perfect”. You will want to take as many practice questions as you can, this will help you identify any form of weakness. Additionally, it will help build your confidence and speed toward the next exam.
3. Review your weakness
As I mentioned earlier, you ought to take note of topics or subjects you find challenging or didn’t perform well on in your previous test. Use these topics or subjects as a starting block for your studies.
You will want to spend time practicing how to answer these questions. Furthermore, you can get added help from online study platforms, for example, Coursera and Udemy.
4. Ask for help if you need to
If you find any topic or subject too challenging for you, do not hesitate to ask for help. You can speak to your parents about getting help or talk to your teacher or seniors who have previously taken the test.
FAQs
What is the SAT equivalent for an ACT score of 25?
The SAT equivalent for an ACT score of 25 is 1200.
What is the lowest ACT score possible?
The lowest possible ACT score one can get is 1.
What ACT score do most colleges accept?
A majority of colleges are seeking to admit students that score around 32 – 36 on the ACT.
What is considered a low ACT score?
A low ACT score is one that falls below the national average, which is 21.
Conclusion: Is 25 a good ACT score?
Well, it is safe to say, a score of 25 on the ACT is a good score. It isn’t among the highest possible score, but it is still far from the lowest.
A score of 25 on the ACT places you in the 75th percentile and is a good stand when applying to colleges or universities. You can also apply for test-optional schools as they admit students with or without an ACT score.
However, if you aim to apply to certain standards of schools like Harvard or Yale, you can retake the ACT. Simply ensure you study adequately while using relevant study guides and practice tests.
In addition to getting a good ACT score, you will also need an excellent GPA to stand out when applying to colleges or universities. See this article on how to get a 5.0 GPA for more guidance.
Thanks for reading.
