Is 28 A Good Act Score

Yes, an ACT score of 28 is considered a very good score. It places you well above the national average and makes you a competitive applicant at a wide range of colleges and universities. To understand exactly what this means, it’s essential to look beyond the raw number and explore percentiles, college admissions trends, and how this score fits into your overall academic profile.

Understanding the ACT Scoring Scale

The ACT is scored on a composite scale from 1 to 36, based on your average performance in four multiple-choice sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. A score of 28 is not just a number; it represents a specific level of mastery. The national average ACT score typically hovers around 20. Therefore, a 28 is 8 points higher than the average, signifying significantly stronger performance in core academic areas.

The Power of Percentiles: Where Does a 28 Rank?

The most meaningful way to evaluate any ACT score is through its percentile rank. This tells you the percentage of recent test-takers you scored higher than. For the most recent testing year, a composite score of 28 consistently falls between the 88th and 90th percentile. This means you have outperformed approximately 88-90% of all students who took the ACT. Scoring in the top 10-12% nationally is a substantial academic achievement and a strong foundation for college applications.

College Admissions: How Competitive is a 28?

The "goodness" of a score is ultimately determined by your target colleges. Admissions is a holistic process, but standardized test scores remain a key data point. Here’s how a 28 typically aligns with different types of institutions:

• Highly Selective/ Ivy-Plus Universities (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, MIT): The middle 50% of admitted students at these schools typically have ACT composites between 33 and 35. A 28 is below this range and would likely not be competitive on its own for these institutions, unless you have an exceptionally outstanding profile in other areas (unique achievements, national awards, etc.).
• Selective & Highly Competitive Public/Private Universities (e.g., University of Michigan, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Boston University): The middle 50% at these schools often ranges from 30 to 34. A 28 sits at or just below the lower end of this spectrum. It can be a viable score, especially if your GPA, coursework, essays, and extracurriculars are very strong, but it may be considered a slight reach.
• Competitive Public Universities & Strong Private Colleges (e.g., University of Texas at Austin, University of Florida, Purdue, Northeastern): For many excellent schools, the middle 50% of admitted students falls between 27 and 32. A score of 28 places you solidly within or very near this competitive range. At these institutions, your ACT score will be a strength and will not be a barrier to admission.
• Less Competitive & Regional Public Universities: Many of these schools have middle 50% ranges from 20 to 26. In this context, a 28 is an outstanding score that makes you a very attractive candidate, likely qualifying you for significant merit-based scholarships.

Strategic Next Steps: What Should You Do With a 28?

Your next move depends entirely on your college list and goals.

1. Benchmark Against Your Target Schools: The single most important action is to research the average ACT scores (specifically the 25th-75th percentile ranges) for the colleges on your list. Use official university admissions websites or reliable college search tools. If your 28 is at or above the 75th percentile for your dream school, you are in an excellent position. If it’s below the 25th percentile at your top choices, you may consider other strategies.
2. Consider a Retake? If your target schools have 25th percentiles at 29 or 30, and you believe you can improve with additional preparation (especially in a weaker section), retaking the ACT is a logical step. A 1-2 point increase to a 29 or 30 can significantly boost your percentile (a 30 is roughly the 93rd percentile) and move you into a more competitive tier for more selective schools. Evaluate your previous section scores; if one section is notably lower (e.g., a 24 in Science with a 32 in Math), focused studying there is the most efficient path to a higher superscore.
3. Strengthen the Holistic Package: If your score is already within range for your target schools, or if you decide not to retest, shift your focus to the other critical components of your application. A 28 paired with a rigorous GPA, challenging AP/IB/Honors coursework, compelling personal essays, strong letters of recommendation, and meaningful extracurricular involvement creates a powerful, balanced application. Do not underestimate the impact of a stellar essay or a teacher recommendation that speaks to your intellectual curiosity and character.
4. Pursue Merit Scholarships: Many colleges and external organizations use ACT scores as a primary criterion for automatic merit-based scholarships. A 28 qualifies you for a vast array of these awards at schools where it is an above-average score. Research scholarship opportunities at the institutions you are applying to; this score can directly translate into thousands of dollars in financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is a 28 on the ACT good for scholarships? A: Absolutely. At many public universities and private colleges where a 28 is at or above their 75th percentile, it will make you a prime candidate for automatic merit scholarships. Some schools have specific scholarship tiers based on score bands (e.g., $5,000 per year for a 28-30, $10,000 for a 31-33). Always check the financial aid pages of your colleges.

Q: Should I submit a 28 to an Ivy League school? A: It is generally not advisable unless you have an otherwise extraordinary, world-class application (e.g., Olympic athlete, published researcher, founder of a significant nonprofit). The academic credentials of admitted students at these schools are uniformly near-perfect on standardized tests. Your application would be more effectively directed at schools where your score is more aligned with their typical admitted student profile.

Q: Does a 28 guarantee admission to a good college? A: No single score guarantees admission. "Good" colleges are highly competitive. A 28 makes you a competitive applicant at hundreds of excellent institutions, but admission committees also scrutinize your transcript, essay, activities, and recommendations. It is a strong credential, but one part of a larger whole.

Q: What is a "good" ACT score for 2024? A: The definition of "good" is relative to your goals. Nationally, any score above the 75th percentile (approximately a 24) is statistically above average. For more selective public universities, a score of 27+ is often competitive. For the