Decoding the ACT: Is a Score of 13 Good Enough?

The ACT is a crucial standardized test that significantly influences college admissions. Many students question how their ACT composite score stacks up against national averages and what it signifies for their college eligibility. When students receive their ACT scores, they often ask, "Is 13 a good ACT score?" The truth is, it depends on personal college goals and where you want to apply. This article addresses whether a score of 13 is a good ACT score, discusses how ACT scoring works, and identifies colleges that accept a 13 ACT score, while also providing tips for admissions and score improvement.

Understanding ACT Scores

ACT scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Test scores for English, math, reading, and science range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The ACT Composite is calculated based on performance in English, math, and reading. Each reporting category includes the total number of questions in that category, the total number of questions in that category you answered correctly, and the percentage of questions correct. Taking the ACT with writing will provide additional scores to you and the schools to which you have ACT report scores.

The ACT test score range is between 1 and 36. There are two types of scores that fall in this range: your section scores and your composite score. The score on each section is calculated by converting the raw score-the number of questions you answered correctly in a given section-to a scaled score in that 1-36 range. (There are no penalties for questions with an incorrect answer).

To make your composite, or overall, score, the test maker then averages your three scores on English, Math, and Reading. This is also scored using the 1-36 ACT scale. The ACT score report will provide even more information about your test-taking experience in the form of subscores. Finally, last but definitely not least, you’ll see your percentile. Or, rather, percentiles. Your ACT percentiles compare your scores to the scores of other test-takers. In your score report, you’ll be able to see where you stand both in terms of your composite score and your section scores. If you scored in the 90th percentile, for example, you scored better than 90% (or 90 out of every 100) test-takers. If you scored in the 50th percentile, you scored better than half of your peers.

Is 13 a Good ACT Score?

A 13 ACT score is considered low compared to the national average, which typically hovers around 21. Scoring a 13 places you in the 7th percentile nationally, meaning that about 93% of test-takers scored higher. While a 13 is below average, it does not mean you have no college options. Some less-selective colleges and community colleges accept students with lower ACT scores, focusing more on other aspects of your application such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. However, if your goal is to attend a more selective college, a higher score will improve your chances significantly.

How the ACT is Scored

The ACT is a standardized test with four main sections: English, math, reading, and science. Each section receives a scaled score from 1 to 36, based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for wrong answers. Your ACT composite score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The ACT also offers an optional Writing test, scored separately. The ACT score range allows colleges to compare applicants from different high schools and backgrounds using a common benchmark. Understanding your score can help you decide on the next steps, such as test preparation or a test retake.

What Happens with a 13 ACT Score?

If you receive a 13 on the ACT, you are in the lower range of test scores. This score may limit your options for college admissions, especially at more selective institutions. However, some colleges accept students with lower ACT scores, and community colleges often have open admissions policies, making them colleges that accept everyone. With a 13, you may need to focus on strengthening other parts of your college application, such as your GPA, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, you can consider retaking the ACT or exploring test-optional schools to improve your college acceptance prospects.

Colleges That Accept a 13 ACT Score

Yes, some colleges will accept a 13 ACT score, especially less-selective colleges, community colleges, and schools with open admissions policies. These institutions may place more emphasis on your high school GPA, personal statement, and other factors beyond standardized testing. While a 13 ACT score is below the national average, it does not automatically disqualify you from college eligibility. However, it is important to research the ACT score requirements for each school on your college list for low ACT scores, as more selective colleges will typically expect higher scores for admission.

Nearly all community colleges in the United States have open-admissions policies. These institutions offer associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year colleges. Be sure to research community colleges in your area if you have a 13. However, several four-year colleges accept low ACT scores, including a 13. These schools often have holistic admissions processes and may consider factors beyond test scores.

Examples of colleges that may accept a 13 ACT score:

Medgar Evers College (City University of New York): This public college in Brooklyn, NY, has a minimum ACT score requirement around 13. The school serves a diverse student body and offers a range of undergraduate programs.
Pine Manor College: Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Pine Manor College accepts students with ACT scores of 13 to 15. The college offers small class sizes and individualized attention.
University of Maryland Global Campus: UMGC is a well-known public university with an open-admissions policy, especially popular among adult learners and military students. Admission is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED, regardless of ACT or SAT scores.
Weber State University: Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution with open enrollment for most undergraduate programs. Students are admitted as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Metropolitan State University of Denver: MSU Denver operates with an open-admissions policy for first-year applicants, making it a great choice for students with lower ACT scores.
Calumet College of St. Joseph: These schools have average ACT scores that are close to a 13. If you apply to these schools, you'll have a decent chance of admission.
St. Augustine's University: With a 13 ACT score, you're already strongly competitive for these schools. You're very likely to get admitted if you apply.

Improving Your Chances of College Admission with a 13 ACT Score

To improve your chances of getting into college with a 13 on the ACT, it's important to strengthen other parts of your application and explore accessible college options. Here are practical steps you can take:

Highlight your GPA: A strong high school GPA can help balance a low ACT score.
Showcase extracurricular activities: Leadership roles, volunteer work, and clubs demonstrate your commitment and skills.
Write a compelling personal statement: Share your story, goals, and motivations to stand out.
Request strong recommendation letters: Ask teachers or mentors who know you well.
Apply to test-optional or open-admissions colleges: These schools may not require ACT scores.
Consider retaking the ACT: Focus on ACT test prep to improve your score.
Explore community colleges: They offer accessible pathways with transfer options to four-year institutions.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Yes, you should consider retaking the ACT if you scored a 13. Most students who retest see their composite score increase by about one point on average, and even a small improvement can expand your college options and scholarship eligibility. Retaking the test also allows you to benefit from superscoring, where colleges consider your best section scores from multiple attempts. Before retaking, review your previous results and focus your study plan on areas needing the most improvement. There's no limit to how many times you can take the ACT, so a retake can be a practical step toward reaching your goals.

Understanding What Constitutes a Good ACT Score

A good ACT score is typically one that meets or exceeds the national average, which is around 21. For more selective colleges, a score in the 75th percentile or above (often 28 or higher) is considered competitive. However, what counts as a "good" score depends on your college list and the ACT score comparison for each school. Some colleges superscore, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test dates. Always research the ACT score requirements for your target schools.

Objectively speaking, a score of 32 or higher would put you in a competitive position for any school that you choose apply to. But unless you want to go to super-elite schools, you might find it more useful to focus on your GPA and extracurriculars than aiming for the max score (especially with so many competitive schools being test-optional). That’s where it becomes useful to look at school rank when deciding what’s a good score on the ACT.

Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities

Yup, a strong score can put you in the running for merit-based scholarships. But just what is that strong score for scholarships? As in the case of college admissions, there’s no one magic number. If you’re scoring in the 30s (top tenth percentile), that’s a great place to start. On the other hand, you can still get a scholarship even if you’re scoring in the mid-20s. Many-but not all-colleges begin offering merit aid to students with ACT scores in the mid-to-high 20s.

Read also: Beyond College: 1420 SAT Score

Avoiding Score Cancellation

If you get your scores and find that you’ve scored significantly below your target score, you might be tempted to cancel your scores, worrying that colleges would penalize you for having low scores on your record. But there are a few reasons why you should definitely not cancel your scores. First and foremost, if you take the ACT more than once, most colleges only care about the highest ACT score you earn. Other colleges superscore ACT results, meaning that if your highest subscores for each section are spread out across different test dates, colleges will only focus on those highest scores. For example, maybe you score really well on Math and Science but not so great on Reading and Writing. If you cancel your scores, you’d risk those great Math and Science scores that could potentially be superscored with better future results in Reading and Writing.

Determining Your Personal ACT Score Goal

To determine your target ACT goal score, look at the 75th percentile column. Find the highest score in that column. That's your composite score goal. If you score at the 75th percentile for any school, you have a great chance at getting in (assuming your other credentials are appropriate for the school). This will be a helpful conversation around your personal goals and how you want to achieve your target ACT score.

Strategies if You Miss Your Goal Score

If you take the test and you get lower than your goal score, what should you do? Don't panic-you have a few options. If you have the time to prepare for the test and retake it, this is probably your best strategy if you are really set on all your schools. (Unless you were only 1 or maybe 2 points under, in which case it might actually be a poor use of your time to retake the test). You should also make sure you actually prepare for enough hours to make the meaningful difference in score that you need.

If you only missed your goal score by 1-2 points, depending on the schools you're applying to, you might not need to do anything. However, if you were more than 2 points short of your goal score, you should consider retaking the test. If you are 3+ points short of your goal score and you don't have time to retake the test, your best strategy is to adjust your list of schools. So add some safety schools for your score.

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