19 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 19 ACT Score
The ACT is a prominent college entrance exam measuring your knowledge of several academic subjects in relation to all high school students throughout the country. There are four main portions to the test: English, Reading, Science, and Math, as well as an optional Writing section. Nearly 2 million students take the ACT every year as part of their journey to college, which is scored on a scale from 1 to 36 with the average score hovering just under 21.
Is a 19 ACT Score (# Percentile) Good?
When evaluating ACT scores, rather than focusing on the number itself, we want to look at the opportunity provided, i.e., how many colleges can you apply to with that score and how competitive of a candidate does it make you.
A 19 ACT score doesn’t make you a competitive applicant at many colleges, but it does still make you eligible to apply to a handful.
Looking at this from another angle, a 19 SAT score puts you at the 44th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 44% of test takers — which is nothing to turn up your nose at! To become a more competitive candidate, though, you may want to consider retaking the test to pull your score up to that 50th percentile range, which is about a score of 20.8.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 19?
Standardized test scores are just one aspect of a college application. Colleges look at you holistically, including your GPA, extracurriculars, and more, making each student’s college search unique. Looking at just that 19 ACT score, we’ve put together a list of colleges that commonly accept students with an average score of a 19 ACT below.
For a more individualized assessment of colleges you’re interested in, check out our What Are My Chances? tool, or talk to a guidance counselor.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 19 Score?
Since a higher score will place you in a better nationwide percentile, consider retaking the exam to add more options during the application process. The ACT is composed of four subjects: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. When you receive your score, look at the detailed results breakdown that gives a separate score for each area of study. Determine what subjects need the most improvement and budget more study time to these areas between now and the retest date.
It’s also a good idea to learn about ACT test taking strategies before the retake date. Remember to skip more difficult questions on the first pass through a section so that you don’t run out of time before answering everything. The ACT doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers, so utilize the process of elimination on tough questions for a better chance at picking the correct one.
If retaking the ACT isn’t feasible, then analyze your college application as a total package to determine what your next steps are. It may be that you just need to re-arrange your college and university choices by determining how your application as a whole will be viewed. Consider applying to test optional colleges, which don’t require any standardized testing. They put much more focus on your GPA, personal statement, and extracurriculars, though, so make sure the rest of your application is on par.
19 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 19 SAT score is equivalent to earning 980 to 1010 on the SAT. While these standardized test scores don’t necessarily make a complete 1:1 comparison, it’s a rough estimate of what you might earn on the other.
The SAT and ACT have different time management requirements, as well as test a few difference skills. If the ACT doesn’t seem to be working with your test-taking style, it may be worthwhile to take a practice SAT test and see what sort of score you earn.
Scholarships for a 19 ACT Score
Earning money for your GPA or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), is often referred to as a merit scholarship or merit aid. A 19 ACT score likely won’t earn you any merit aid, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships to apply to, including ones for life circumstances, passions, and extracurriculars. Begin applying today using our extensive scholarship database so you can put together a nest egg that will offset the cost of tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 19 a good ACT score?
A 19 ACT score doesn’t make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, you’ll want to aim for a 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
What colleges can I get into with a 19 ACT score?
While you may not be competitive at a vast majority of colleges, you’re still eligible! Institutions you can include on your Target list include California State University-Fresno, Indiana State University, and Central Washington University.
What percentile is a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score puts you at a 44th percentile, meaning you score higher than 44% of all test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 980 to 1010 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score likely won’t earn you many merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships, including ones for passions, extracurriculars, and life circumstances. Start looking for scholarships today!
