<span>20 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 20 ACT Score</span>

20 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 20 ACT Score

The ACT is a standardized test that measures academic performance through four sections, Reading, Writing, Science, and Mathematics, with an optional Writing portion. The test takes 2 hours and 55 minutes (without the writing portion) and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. 

 

Is a 20 ACT Score (49th Percentile) Good?

When evaluating whether a score is “good” or “not-so-good,” we’re really looking at opportunity and competitiveness. An ACT score of 20 makes you eligible to apply to an okay number of schools, but doesn’t quite make you competitive since it falls below the national average of 20.8.

Another way to look at this is through percentile. A 20 ACT score puts you at the 49th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 49% of all test takers — which is certainly something to be proud of! To increase your competitiveness during the college application process, though, you’ll want to meet or exceed the national average, which is closer to a score of 21.

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 20?

A test score is only one component of the application and, outside of very competitive colleges, most institutions don’t have a “required” ACT score, but a range that they typically accept. However, the colleges and universities we have listed below have a history of admitting students who earned a 20 on their ACT.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 20 Score?

If you earned a 20 ACT score, it’s certainly worth retaking the test to reach the competitive benchmark of 21! More than half of students who retake the ACT improved their score, though it’s worth noting that 22% earned a lower score, so be sure to put in the appropriate amount of study time.  

If you’re a junior, there are still several opportunities to retake the ACT. In the time before the retest date, prepare for the exam by taking ACT Practice Tests. Consult the breakdown of your score in each of the test’s four subjects: science, English, mathematics, and reading. Those subject scores will give a sense of which fields of study to concentrate on.

For further test prep, utilize your high school’s ACT resources. Consult an academic advisor or college counselor for recommendations on practice test books. If you have time to do so, enroll in a test prep course overseen by your school or the district. For those who work best in a one-on-one setting, visit a private tutor if it’s within your financial means.

If you’ve decided to retake the ACT as a senior, there are typically test dates in the fall that will return scores in enough time for the latter half of the admission season. Check out some colleges that have later application deadlines, in January through March, and see if any of them interest you. If retaking the test isn’t possible or doesn’t make sense in your situation, take a look at your college application as a whole and adjust how you’re labeling your Likely, Target, and Reach schools.

 

20 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 20 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 1020 to 1050 on the SAT. Though these tests aren’t 100% comparable, meaning the score you earn on one may not directly translate to what you’d earn on the other, you can consider this a rough estimate. 

If the ACT doesn’t seem to be working with your test-taking style, it may be worthwhile to take a practice SAT and see what score you earn. It may be that the SAT works better for you!  

 

Scholarships for a 20 ACT Score

Earning scholarships or aid based on your ACT, GPA, or SAT is often referred to as merit scholarships, or merit aid. A 20 ACT isn’t likely to earn you many merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships you can apply for! Search for ones based on your extracurriculars, life circumstances, passions, location, and more — you can start using our extensive scholarship database. 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 20 a good ACT score?

A score of 20 on the ACT doesn’t make you an eligible applicant at as many schools as we’d typically like to see, nor does it make you competitive. Hitting that national average, with just one extra point, will really open up a number of doors! 

 

What colleges can I get into with a 20 ACT score?

While 20 may not be the most competitive ACT score, there are several colleges that fit your Target institutions, including San Francisco State University, Radford University, and Valdosta State University.

 

What percentile is a 20 ACT score?

A 20 ACT puts you at the 49th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 49% of test takers. 

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 20 ACT score?

A 20 ACT is equivalent to earning a 1020 to 1050 on the SAT

 

What scholarships can you get with a 20 ACT score?

Scholarships earned based on your ACT, SAT, or GPA are typically referred to as merit scholarships or merit aid. A 20 ACT score likely won’t earn you much merit aid, but there are plenty of other scholarships to apply, including ones based on your location, like circumstances, and passions! 

 

View all scholarships

 

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” – Devin from Orchard Park, NY

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La Sierra University is a private nonprofit liberal arts college based in Riverside, California. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. LSU is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and its campus is a designated...

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an outstanding experience. best place to learn about art. the best school for me.

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The courses at Mary Baldwin can definitely be challenging. Of course some classes are harder than others and some professors are more helpful than others, but the small class size creates an environment where students can connect with their...

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Founded in 1896 as an educational institution for freedmen, Oakwood University is a Christian school in northern Alabama and an Historically Black College and University. Operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Oakwood is home to schools of...

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The faculty at Oakwood is wonderful. The teachers don't only teach the information in the textbook, but they also teach from the Bible. This is great because, in the end, the only wisdom that will truly count is what we learn from the Bible and...

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Glenville State College is a public, 4-year institution established in rural West Virginia. GSC, also known as the Lighthouse on the Hill, exclusively serves undergraduate students and maintains a student body of nearly 2,000 scholars. GSC’s academic...

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One big Family.
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Columbia College is a liberal arts college in South Carolina’s state capital. Columbia confers undergraduate degrees in eight academic areas and also makes certain programs available in coeducational formats. Throughout the school year, Columbia...

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The course is rigorous, but the teachers really care and are so willing to help and they want you to succeed. The education is well-rounded so that it's practical for life and creates a nice learning experience with different methods and fun classes...

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Pfeiffer University is a private institution based in Richfield, North Carolina. Pfeiffer is closely tied to the United Methodist Church. Many of the campus’ Georgian Revival-style academic buildings have been placed on the National Register of...

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I learned alot about the many different life making decisions

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Judson University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Elgin and Rockford, Illinois. Undergraduate students are required to earn at least 25 chapel credits each semester, and contribute to their GPA on a pass/fail basis. Judson...

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a very social college, very close to Chicago, lots to do near campus, love the people there

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University of Wisconsin in River Falls is a public, liberal arts institution in the western region of the state. About 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, the 303-acre campus is home to four colleges offering 70+ areas of study on the banks of the...

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Morningside College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northwest Iowa affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Morningside is home to over 65 undergrad degree-granting and pre-professional programs. Every school year culminates in May Term, a...

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Most of my classes are a good mix of challenging and easy material. I do spend about 3 hours a day studying, but even so I find my chemisty class especially difficult. There are times, though, in all of my classes when I feel like I've learned the...

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With campus overlooking the Fox River, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a 4-year public school in northeast Wisconsin. The third largest university in the state and a member of the UW system, UW Oshkosh confers undergraduate degrees in almost...

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Lees-McRae College is a 4-year institution in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Lees-McRae offers 20 majors and 20 minors on its campus, which sits at an elevation of 4,000 ft., making it the highest elevated campus in the eastern US. Providing 11...

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i love lees-mcrae. it is a beautiful mountain school that makes you feel like you live in a personal snow globe. this school prides itself on a strong community.

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All the professors here know how to teach students very well and keep learning interesting. I have a really awesome professor for History 1302, who I chose again for enjoying his 1301 class last semester, who constantly challenges us and keeps us...

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