A "bad" ACT score is less about a fixed national number and more about sitting well below the 25th percentile at the colleges you want—or below scholarship cutoffs you care about. Nationally, scores under about 20 are below average; for your list, even a 28 can be low if every school's mid-50% starts at 32.
National context
Recent national averages sit near the high teens to around 20. Rough national landmarks:
- Below ~20: below the national average
- ~24: around the national 75th percentile
- ~28+: strong nationally
Those figures help for perspective. They do not decide admissions at your schools. Percentile mechanics are in ACT percentiles explained.
College-relative "bad"
If your Composite is below the 25th percentile of a school's admitted middle-50% range, testing is a weaker part of your file there. That does not mean automatic denial—GPA, essays, rigor, and activities still matter—but it does mean you should either raise the score, lean on test-optional policies carefully, or balance the list with matches and safeties.
Set a clear prep goal with how to find your target ACT score and school-specific ranges in what ACT score you need for college.
When a low score still works
- Test-optional schools: you may omit scores if the rest of the application is strong—see should you submit scores at test-optional schools.
- Safety and match schools:the same Composite can sit comfortably inside another school's mid-50%.
- Retakes: one low official does not lock your file if you have time to improve—see should you retake the ACT.
The bottom line
Bad is relative. Compare your score to your college list and scholarships, not to a single national label—then decide whether to retake, omit, or rebalance applications.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
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.