21 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 21 ACT Score
The ACT is an entrance exam that many colleges use as part of their admissions process. The ACT is made up of four academic categories: Mathematics, Reading, English, and Science, as well as an optional Writing portion. Scored on a scale of 1 to 36, the ACT has 215 questions that need to be answered in 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Is a 21 ACT Score (50th Percentile) Good?
A 21 ACT score is a little bit better than the average score of 20.8. Because of this, a 21 is a commonly accepted score at many schools, but it may not make you competitive at selective schools.
Looking at this from another angle, a score of 21 puts you at the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 50% of test takers — which is certainly something to be proud of. It also means that 50% of test takers scored higher, too, putting you in a bit of a limbo where you’re almost competitive, but not quite.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 21?
A decent number of colleges will consider an application featuring a 21 on the ACT and we’ve compiled a list of these schools below. While a standardized test is only one part of the application, these institutions have a history of accepting students who earn a 21.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 21 Score?
If you have time and the ability to retake the ACT, it’s worth putting in a bit more effort to increase the competitiveness of your application. ACT score reports come with a breakdown of the tests four subject areas, so take a closer look at which subjects need improvement and devote extra study time to them. Remember that the essay portion of the exam doesn’t get factored into the overall score so budget more study time for the other sections.
Before the retake date, practice a few test-taking strategies. For example, the ACT doesn’t penalize you for a wrong answer, so work on eliminating incorrect multiple choice options to make an educated guess. Remember, if you get stuck on any question, don’t spend too much time dwelling on it. Instead, move on to other questions that are quicker to answer and take a second pass at more difficult ones if there’s time.
For seniors, there are typically dates available to retake the test during the fall semester, but it may or may not be in time for earlier college application deadlines. If there isn’t time, focus on amping up the rest of your application. College admission offices look at applications as a whole and your ACT score is just a single component. Consult your college counselor for advice on composing a well crafted personal essay, and be sure to continue devoting proper study time to all classes to maintain a good GPA. With an ACT score of 21, a quality application to go along with it might be all you need!
21 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 21 SAT score is equivalent to earning between a 1060 to 1090 on the SAT. While the score you earn on one test may not be what you’d earn on the other, it may be an indication.
If the ACT doesn’t seem to be working for your test-taking style, it may be worthwhile to take a practice SAT to see your potential score. The tests require different types of time management, tools, and even have different content.
Scholarships for a 21 ACT Score
Scholarships earned for your ACT or SAT, or based on your GPA, are typically referred to as merit scholarships or merit aid. A 21 ACT score isn’t likely to earn you much merit aid, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships you can earn outside of those for merit. Start searching today for scholarships based on your location, life circumstances, passions, extracurriculars, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 21 a good ACT score?
A 21 ACT score puts you right at the national average, making you eligible to apply to a number of schools. It offers you a slight competitive edge, but won’t make you competitive for most selective schools.
What colleges can I get into with a 21 ACT score?
With a 21 ACT score, you’re eligible to apply to a number of schools and, among your Target institutions, you can include California State University-Fullerton, Montclair State University, and Eastern Michigan University. Remember that your ACT is only a portion of what colleges consider when evaluating students, so be sure to align your GPA and write a compelling personal statement.
What percentile is a 21 ACT score?
A 21 ACT score puts you at the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 50% of test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 21 ACT score?
A 21 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1060 to 1090 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 21 ACT score?
A 21 ACT score likely won’t earn you much merit aid, but there are numerous other types of scholarships you can apply for, including those for location, life circumstances, extracurriculars, and more. Start applying today to build up a nest egg that will offset the cost of college tuition!
