What if my ACT Score is Low?

What is the definition of low on ACTs? Everyone has a classmate that is a brainiac and got an ACT of 31 as a sophomore. Good for them but that is not typical. Don’t compare yourself to that person. In the U.S. the average score on the ACT is a 22. Now when you consider that nearly half of students do not even take the ACT, this places the 22 a bit higher, doesn’t it?

If you take the ACT and you get a 20, 21 or 22 and it is your first time, take it again and do it quickly. Students often raise their scores by a few points taking it a second or third time. Should you take it more than that? No. Taking it more than that doesn’t seem to raise scores at all.

Why do scores go up the second or third time? One reason is less stress. Think about it. You actually paid money to take this test. You wait in line to check for identification. You are “watched” as you take the test. Plus, it is very difficult. The format is not like in high school but much more complicated. You didn’t have the opportunity to even study for this test. You leave the testing site thinking you are the dumbest person on earth. Taking it a second time is less stressful and this allows your brain to work a little better and you are more likely to remember what you know.

What if I take the tests three times and I never get over 19? Now you have to make some tough decisions. You can select a “level four” college or think about technical school.