Colleges That Accept Low ACT Scores: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACT is a standardized test used by most colleges as part of their admissions process. It assesses knowledge in Science, English, Math, and Reading. The test consists of 215 questions to be answered in a 2 hour and 55-minute time window, with an optional Writing portion adding 40 minutes. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.

Understanding ACT Scores

What is a Good ACT Score?

The goal of taking the ACT is to achieve a score that makes you eligible and competitive at a wide variety of schools. A score of 24 on the ACT puts you at the 73rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 73% of all test-takers. This can be something to be proud of.

Is Retaking the ACT Necessary?

A 24 is considered competitive at many schools, so retaking the test isn’t necessary unless a school you’re interested in typically likes to see higher scores. If you’re set in that department, focus on keeping your GPA up and even start working on a personal statement for your applications.

If your goal is to get into a more selective school, a 24 is still a few points shy of the typical benchmark. During your junior year, finding time to retake the ACT before college application season isn’t too difficult, it’s more a matter of studying hard to improve. Take a look at the detailed score results to determine if any section was particularly difficult for you. Devote more study time to any subject with a lower score. Pick up a book of practice ACTs or download a practice test to work on until you’re more comfortable with the subject matter. Be sure to use a stopwatch to simulate all test day conditions.

In addition, remember test-taking strategies such as how to budget time properly, the art of making an educated guess, and keep in mind that it generally isn’t beneficial to spend too long on any one question. Go through the exam and answer all the questions that are easier to handle before devoting more time to tackling the harder ones.

Read also: 15 ACT Score College Options

If you’re a senior, it’s possible to retake the test in time for later application dates but, depending on your goals, it may be better to concentrate on making the rest of your application as strong as your ACT score. Continue maintaining a good GPA by devoting enough study time to all classes and refusing to give in to senioritis. Take some additional time to put together a well-crafted personal essay that best represents your voice and accomplishments. Have your college counselor give it a read and critique to make sure that it’s as marketable as possible. Be sure to reach out to valued teachers and mentors to ask for letters of recommendation.

ACT to SAT Conversion

A 24 ACT score is equivalent to earning an 1160 to 1190 on the SAT. There are some key differences between these two tests, including in time management skills, tools, and even content, so the score you earn on one may not be the score you earn on the other. However, this can be used as a good comparison tool.

Scholarships and a 24 ACT Score

When it comes to earning merit for academics, things like your SAT and ACT score, or for your GPA, it’s typically referred to as merit aid. An ACT score of 24 may earn you some merit aid, but typically you need at least a 25 to be eligible for the majority of merit aid scholarships. However, there are so many other types of scholarships you can apply for outside of merit, including based on your location, passions, and life circumstances! Start applying for scholarships today so you can offset the cost of tuition.

Colleges That Accept Low ACT Scores

While aiming for a high ACT score is generally advisable, a lower score doesn't necessarily preclude you from attending college. Many institutions consider a range of factors, and some are more lenient with standardized test scores than others. It's important to note that colleges often publish the middle 50% ACT scores of their accepted students, providing a good indication of their typical admission range. If your score falls below the 25th percentile, your chances of admission may be lower, but other factors like GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations can still play a significant role.

Types of Institutions to Consider

Community Colleges: These tend to be the most lenient and often don't require ACT or SAT scores for admission. Instead, they might use placement tests to determine your initial course levels in English and Math.
Less-Selective Four-Year Colleges: Some of these institutions accept scores in the low 20s or even high teens. Examples include schools like Western Illinois University or Shawnee State University, which typically accept students with ACT scores around 17-23.

Factors Influencing Low ACT Score Acceptance

Several factors can contribute to why some colleges have lower ACT score averages:

Read also: 1030 SAT Score College Guide

Specialized Programs: Many universities with lower ACT score averages are specialized colleges offering specific degree programs or a religious education.
High Admission Rates: Some colleges may have high admission rates, requiring them to accept more students to fill their freshman class.
Test-Optional Policies: Many universities are no longer even asking for a standardized test score with your application.

Test-Optional and Test-Free Policies

An increasing number of colleges are adopting test-optional or test-free policies, giving students more flexibility in the application process.

Test-Optional: These schools do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, but you can still submit them if you perform well. Competitive schools may offer priority admission or academic scholarships based on high scores.
Test-Free (Test-Blind): These colleges do not accept standardized test scores at all. They emphasize high school transcripts, resumes, recommendation letters, and application essays.

Why Are More Colleges Adopting Test-Optional Policies?

Several factors are driving the increase in test-optional policies:

Limited Predictive Value: Standardized tests don’t necessarily predict college success. Some data show that GPAs are better predictors of college success than exam scores.
Diversity: Test-optional policies may help increase racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity.
Accessibility: Test-optional policies can make college more accessible for students who face barriers to testing, such as test anxiety or lack of resources.

Should You Submit Your Scores to a Test-Optional College?

Even if a school doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores, it may still be in your best interest to submit your exam scores, depending on your performance. Your scores could hinder your chances of acceptance.

You should submit your scores if:

The school is highly competitive.
Test scores are required for financial aid.
Your scores boost your application.

You should not submit your scores if:

Your scores fall below the middle 50%.
The rest of your application is strong.

Tips for Opting Out of Submitting Test Scores

If you’re applying to test-optional or test-free schools, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application:

Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight your unique abilities, creativity, and worldview.
Submit strong recommendation letters: Ask teachers, coaches, or counselors who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
Present your best self on social media: Be mindful of what you post online.
Participate in an alum interview: If available, this can help your application stand out.

List of Colleges with Test-Optional or Test-Free Policies

Here are some accredited four-year institutions with test-optional or test-free policies:

Read also: 1110 SAT Score College Options

Alaska Pacific University (Test-Free)
Arizona State University (Test-Optional)
California State University system (Test-Free)
Clemson University (Test-Optional)
Colorado State University (Test-Optional)
Columbia College Chicago (Test-Free)
Lewis & Clark College (Test-Free)
Louisiana State University (Test-Optional)
Loyola University New Orleans (Test-Optional)
Marymount University (Test-Free)

This is not an exhaustive list, and policies can change, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of each institution you're interested in.

Additional Colleges to Consider

Here are some other colleges that may be more lenient with ACT scores:

Claflin University: It states that there is no minimum ACT score requirement.
Medgar Evers College: The school has an open admissions policy.
Livingstone College: If you meet the college’s GPA, SAT/ACT score requirements and other components, you can get in easily.
Shaw University: Known for many significant historical achievements.
Rust College: Offers 20 bachelors and 2 associate degrees.
Jarvis University: Serves an increasingly diverse population focusing on holistic personal development in a Christian environment.
Pine Manor College: Serves primarily students of color.
Langston University: The only HBCU in the state of Oklahoma.
Paul Quinn College: The first HBCU to open in Texas in 1872.
LeMoyne-Owen College: It is an open admission college and accepts nearly all students.

Alternatives to Traditional College

If attending a traditional college campus isn’t for you, there are plenty of online options that can provide a fruitful educational experience. At the University of the People, their priority is making sure education is accessible to all students - not only do they not require SAT/ACT scores, but their courses are completely tuition-free.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT Scores

California Institute of Technology
Harvard College
Yale University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Cornell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Georgetown University
The Cooper Union
University of Central Florida
Auburn University
Purdue University-West Lafayette
Florida International
Gallaudet University
Thomas Aquinas College

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