ACT Percentiles: What Your Score Really Means
Getting your ACT score back can be exciting—or stressful—depending on how you feel you did. But once you’ve seen your composite score, another number might catch your eye: your percentile. What does it actually mean? And why does it matter?
In this article, we’ll break down ACT percentiles, how they work, what’s considered a "good" percentile, and how you can use them to guide your college planning.
What Is an ACT Percentile?
Your ACT percentile shows how your score compares to the scores of other students who took the test. It answers the question:
“What percentage of students scored lower than I did?”
Example:
If you scored a 25 composite and your percentile is 78%, that means you scored better than 78% of all students who took the ACT.
Percentiles are based on nationally representative data, updated annually by ACT, Inc.
ACT Score Percentile Chart (Composite Scores)
Here’s a rough breakdown of ACT composite scores and their corresponding national percentiles:
Note: These percentiles are approximate and based on national norms from ACT, Inc.
How Are ACT Percentiles Calculated?
Percentiles are determined by analyzing the scores of all U.S. students who took the ACT in a recent year. There are separate percentiles for:
Composite Score (average of English, Math, Reading, and Science)
Individual Section Scores
So, you’ll receive a composite percentile and four section percentiles—helping you understand where you’re strongest.
Why ACT Percentiles Matter
1. College Admissions
Admissions officers consider both your raw ACT score and percentile. If you're in the top 10% of test-takers, it signals to colleges that you performed significantly better than most of your peers.
2. Scholarships
Many merit-based scholarships require high ACT scores—often in the 90th percentile or above. Understanding your percentile helps you identify whether you’re competitive for certain aid programs.
3. College Planning
Percentiles help you determine:
If your score aligns with your target colleges
Whether to retake the ACT for a higher score
What schools are a reach, match, or safety based on admissions data
What Is a Good ACT Percentile?
This depends on your goals. Here’s a general way to think about it:
90th–99th percentile: Excellent (competitive for top-tier schools)
75th–89th percentile: Strong (competitive for many state and private colleges)
50th–74th percentile: Average to Above Average (solid for regional and less selective colleges)
Below 50th percentile: Below Average (some colleges may require improvement or test-optional application)
Final Thoughts
Your ACT percentile is more than just a statistic—it’s a valuable indicator of how your score stacks up and what schools might be within reach. It also provides context for scholarships and can help you make informed decisions about whether to retake the test or focus on other parts of your application.
At College ROI, we help students make smarter decisions around testing, admissions, and college affordability. Use our free tools to match with schools based on your ACT score, financial preferences, and future earning potential.
