The ACT is a crucial factor when seeking admission into various universities or colleges around the country. It is used to measure or compare applicants in order to get the right candidate during admission. So, is 32 a good ACT score?
When considering a good ACT score, you have to look at 3 things. Firstly, is it good enough to apply for university admission? Next, is it competitive enough? Lastly, is it good enough for a merit-based scholarship?
With an ACT score of 32, you are eligible to attend some of the best schools in the United States. However, you won’t be able to get into some as they require a higher score.
In this article, I will talk extensively about an ACT score of 32, universities and colleges that will accept this score, and how to get a better score if you choose to retake the ACT.
What universities and colleges can you get into with an ACT score of 32?
With a score of 32 on the ACT, you are competitive enough for just about any school besides a hand full. This includes the likes of Harvard and Ivy league.
That being said, I have collated a list of some of the best universities that accept an SAT score of 32. I also arranged these universities according to their hardness level.
1. Reach schools
These reach schools are generally harder to get into, as an ACT score of 32 is the average for them. However, with a good grade point average and a good recommendation letter, you have a good chance of getting admitted.
Some of the top universities and colleges in this category include;
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
- Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
- Brown University (Providence, RI)
- Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, Pennsylvania)
- Yale University (New Haven, CT)
- Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts)
- University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Columbia University (New York, NY)
- Pomona College (Claremont, California).
2. Match schools
These match schools are slightly harder to get into than reach school. With an ACT score of 32, a good GPA, and a strong recommendation, your chances of getting admitted are high.
Some of the top universities and colleges in this category are;
- Tufts University (Medford, MA)
- Villanova University (Villanova, PA)
- Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
- Rensselaer University (Troy, NY)
- New York University (New York, NY)
- Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts)
- Boston University (Boston, MA)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota).
3. Safety schools
These safety schools are generally easier to get into than reach schools and match schools. With an ACT score of 32, a good grade point average, and a strong recommendation letter, admission is almost certain.
Some of the top universities and colleges in this category are;
- Binghamton University (Vestal, NY)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)
- Barnard College (New York, New York)
- Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
- University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
- Scripps College (Claremont, California)
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA)
- Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)
- Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, New York)
- The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX).
Should you retake the ACT if you scored 32 on your last?
With an ACT score of 32, you are already on a good stand of getting admitted into some top universities and colleges. All being considered, you do not need to retake the ACT.
However, you should retake the ACT if;
- You aim to attend some of the very best colleges in the United States and your ACT is not good enough.
- You aim to be eligible for the merit-based program as it requires one must be in the 99th percentile to be eligible.
So, how can you get a better ACT score?
Generally, the maximum score for the ACT is 36. Getting a perfect score is not easy; however, it is not impossible. And even if you fall short and score 35, you still score in the 99th percentile.
This means that you are eligible to attend some of the very best colleges or universities. It also means that you are eligible to be granted the merit-based scholarship, amazing, isn’t it? But how exactly can you improve your ACT score?
For you to do so, you should follow this guide to get the best results.
1. Use good study material
The first step you should take is to get appropriate and relevant study material to aid your preparation. If you want to learn how to play baseball, you do not practice using a tee ball.
The best move is to make use of the free ACT preparation test that is made accessible for potential test takers. Ensure you take note of questions you got wrong or questions you find to be particularly challenging.
Afterwards, spend time learning these topics as much as you can. With constant practice, you will become used to these topics and then test yourself again to see how you perform.
Don’t be discouraged even if you get those topics wrong again, just keep practicing, and with time you will get the hang of it.
2. Focus on quality first rather than quantity
Do not make a habit of overworking your brain simply because you want to touch as many topics as you can in one week. It is bad practice; rather, focus on quality first.
This means that you have to understand every topic completely before moving on to another. You are aiming to get a perfect score or as close to perfect as you can get, you have to put in the work for you to achieve that.
Find a pattern on any topic that seems difficult and drill yourself to perfection. Ask for assistance if you find any of these topics too difficult rather than skipping to the next topic.
3. Build up your speed
Another important step you should take is to build up your speed when taking practice tests. That being said, you do not have to rush yourself into making mistakes.
You can build your speed through practice, ensure you practice solving math daily, reading, and writing. This will help you when you sit for the ACT.
Building your speed also gives you enough time to check for possible errors during the exams. Do not be in haste to submit, spend extra time reviewing your answers and spotting errors, then make the appropriate correction before submitting.
FAQs
How does an ACT score of 32 translate to an SAT score?
An ACT score of 32 is equivalent to an SAT score of 1430.
What are the benefits of getting a high ACT score?
Getting a high ACT score allows you to be competitive with top colleges or universities. If your score is in the top 1%, you are also eligible for a merit-based program.
What is the national ACT average score?
The national average score is said to be 21.
Conclusion: Is 32 a good act score?
Considering that with a score of 32 on the ACT, you are competitive to get into some of the best schools in the country, it is a good score.
However, if you aim to attend the very best or to be eligible for a merit-based scholarship, you will need to do better. This is because most top schools aim to admit students with higher ACT scores.
Additionally, for you to be eligible for the merit-based scholarship, you will need to score in the 99th percentile.
For you to score higher, you will need to increase your speed, build your understanding of each topic, and study using good materials.
In addition to getting a good ACT score, you will also need a good grade point average to stand out among applicants. You should see this article on how to get a 5.0 GPA to help you with that.
Thanks for reading.
