How to build a college list with your ACT score

Build the list with three buckets—likely, match, and reach—using each college's published ACT middle 50% and acceptance rate, then check whether the school is test-required, test-optional, or test-blind. Your Composite is one number. Fit, major, cost, and whether you will submit scores all still matter.

Step 1: Write your real score

Use your latest official Composite, or a timed diagnostic if you have not tested yet. Know the policy at each school: test-optional vs test-blind vs test-required, colleges that require SAT or ACT, should you submit.

Step 2: Sort likely / match / reach

• Likely: your ACT is at or above the 75th, GPA is solid for that campus, acceptance rate is not tiny.
• Match: you sit inside the middle 50%, especially near the median.
• Reach: you are below the 25th, or the school admits under ~20% regardless of score.

Context for what is "good": what is a good ACT score, what ACT score for college, Ivy ranges.

Step 3: Add money and major

A 32 that unlocks automatic merit can beat a 34 at a school with no aid. Scholarships by score. STEM applicants: check whether Science or a STEM score is requested— do engineering colleges care about ACT Science.

Step 4: Keep the list usable

Aim for roughly 2–4 likelies, 3–5 matches, 2–4 reaches, then cut schools you would not attend. GPA still carries a lot of weight: GPA vs ACT.

The bottom line

Plot your ACT against published middle 50% ranges, then adjust for testing policy and cost. The list should be a plan, not a trophy wall.

This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.