ACT Percentiles: Understand Your Standing
ACT percentiles show how your score compares to other test takers. Use percentile context with target colleges’ ranges and your GPA to plan test strategy.
Percentile Bands (Illustrative)
| ACT Composite | Approx Percentile | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 35–36 | 99th+ | Top of national pool |
| 31–34 | 95th–98th | Highly competitive |
| 27–30 | 85th–94th | Competitive |
| 22–26 | 60th–84th | Broad-access |
Planning with Percentiles
- Compare your percentile to your colleges’ middle-50% ranges
- Use percentiles with GPA/rigor to decide test submission
- Focus study on sections limiting percentile growth