<span>29 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 29 ACT Score</span>

29 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 29 ACT Score

The ACT is a standardized test that a number of colleges and universities consult when considering applicants for admission. The exam is made up of 4 mandatory portions, English, Reading, Science, and Math, as well as one options portion, Writing. Test takers have 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete the exam, plus an additional 40 minutes with the optional Writing portion.

The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the average test score for all two million yearly exam takers hovering around 21. 

 

Is a 29 ACT Score (91st Percentile) Good?

With a 29 ACT score, you’re an eligible and competitive applicant at a majority of schools. You’ll also be able to apply to a number of selective and elite institutions and be considered for acceptance. Since the purpose of taking the ACT is to give you a wide variety of college options to choose from, a score of 29 accomplishes that goal.

To understand how well you’ve actually done, let’s look at this another way. A 29 ACT score puts you in the 91st percentile — that means you scored higher than 91%  of all test takers. That’s a brilliant accomplishment and you should be proud! 

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 29?

An ACT score of 29 makes you eligible for admission at a wide variety of colleges and universities, including several selective schools. We’ve put together a sample list of these institutions below. While an ACT score is only one factor in the admissions process, all of these colleges have a history of admitting students with scores of 29.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 29 Score?

There’s no pressing need to retake the ACT with a score of 29, unless your ideal school would like to see a higher score. The only schools that require a score higher than 29 are typically very competitive, making them difficult to gain admittance to, even for qualified students. Compare your score to your college list and, if you fall in the 75th percentile, there’s no need to retake it. 

Now is the time to determine what school is the best fit for you, both as an individual and academically. Consult with your college counselor and they’ll be able to recommend several colleges and universities based on your interests. Follow up on their recommendations and research these schools further to determine if there’s a match. Because your ACT score will enable you to apply to some selective and elite colleges, pay particular attention to assembling a list of safety, match, and reach schools to provide as many options as possible.

Since competition at some more selective schools will be fierce, if you’re a junior, concentrate on making sure that your academic record for the rest of high school makes you as marketable as your ACT score. Dedicate more study time to any classes that feel are especially difficult in order to maintain a good GPA for the final portion of high school. Because most colleges consider GPA and ACT scores equally, academic performance could make the difference when applying to an elite institution. You also have a decent amount of time to retake the exam before college application season if you’re looking to increase your competitiveness.

As for seniors, avoid the temptation of senioritis and end your high school career with strong academics. This is also the time to ensure that the rest of your application is as noteworthy as an ACT score of 29. Have a college counselor or teacher read through your personal essay and offer suggestions for improvement. A good essay coupled with solid recommendation letters can make all the difference during the admissions process.

 

29 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 29 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 1350 to 1380 on the SAT.  There are a few differences between these two tests, but this is a good way to understand how they compare. 

These two standardized tests require different time management skills, different tools, and even boast different types of content. If you feel like you should be scoring higher on your ACT than you are, you may want to consider taking a practice SAT to see what predicted score you earn. It may be that the SAT is better suited for your test-taking style. 

 

Scholarships for a 29 ACT Score

Merit aid, or money earned for your test scores or GPA, is a great way to offset the cost of college tuition. A 29 ACT score will earn you a good amount of merit aid from potential colleges and universities, as well as from third-party scholarship providers. Make sure to apply for as many merit scholarships as possible, as well as scholarships based on your location, life circumstances, extracurriculars, passions, future major, and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 29 a good ACT score?

A 29 ACT score makes you eligible and competitive at many colleges, including some selective ones, as well as makes you eligible for merit aid. All of this makes a 29 ACT score a good one! 

 

What colleges can I get into with a 29 ACT score?

You’re an eligible candidate for any number of schools, but you can include the University of Central Florida, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington-Seattle Campus among your Target Institutions. 

 

What percentile is a 29 ACT score?

A 29 ACT score puts you at the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 91% of all test takers. 

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 29 ACT score?

A 29 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1350 to 1380 on the SAT. Keep in mind that these tests do have a few differences, but this is a good way to understand how they compare. 

 

What scholarships can you get with a 29 ACT score?

You’re eligible to apply for many merit aid scholarships, so start searching now! Don’t forget to also apply for scholarships based on your future major, location, life circumstances, passions, extracurriculars, and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

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Earlham College is a liberal arts institution situated in Richmond, IN. Earlham grounds their curricula in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, emphasizing intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and...

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Amazing and wonderful school with a great pride in community and friendship. Very academically rigorous and quite rewarding. A large variety of classes and majors are available with very helpful professors to guide you throughout your time here

” – Hosanna from Richmond, IN

With campus along the banks of the Chippewa River, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a 4-year public university and a regional UW campus in northwest Wisconsin. UWEC is home to colleges of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing...

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St. Lawrence University is a liberal arts college on the border of New York State and Canada. The Canton, NY, campus consist of 94 buildings on 1,000 acres that provide students with 69 majors and the option to design a program through St. Lawrence’s...

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There’s no doubt that St. Lawrence offers plenty of opportunities and experiences that get students learning, growing, and living to their best potential. The administration, advisors, and all professors are extremely accessible and willing to help...

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The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university and a regional campus of the U of M system in the Detroit metro area. UM-Dearborn is home to four colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences offering 75 bachelor’s...

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Originally founded as Baptist College, Charleston Southern University is a Christian school in the greater Charleston area and the only Christian college in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. CSU grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 academic...

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Great faculty and diversity in course selection.

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The classes are really small for the most part. I am a Pre-vet student, it's a popular major here so the classes get filled up quickly and are really full. They almost always open up another class to choose. The professors care about the students and...

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Wentworth Institute of Technology is 4-year college in Boston, Massachusetts. Wentworth is comprised of four colleges: Architecture, Design, and Construction Management; Arts and Sciences; Engineering and Computer Science; and Professional and...

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The classes are a constant challenge. Everyday is a day full of knowledge.

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Carroll University is a selective liberal arts college located Waukesha, Wisconsin, with an affiliation to the Presbyterian Church. Established in 1846, Carroll University was the first 4-year higher learning institution in the state and began with...

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Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...

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The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.

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Webster University is a private institution based in Webster Groves, Missouri. Webster operates campuses around the nation and abroad, in countries such as Ghana, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Greece, that students may transfer to for a semester...

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webster exudes an open atmosphere filled with people that are easy to get along with. the staff is friendly, and personable, and the education quality is top-knotch.

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Founded in 1856, Mars Hill University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in western North Carolina and the region’s oldest institution of higher learning operating on its original site. Nestled among the mountains, Mars Hill confers bachelor...

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The classes are small so the professors really pay attention to you and help you out.

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Formed by the merger of two junior college, Harding University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in northern Arkansas. Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Harding confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 academic majors and minors. As...

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Harding offers such a wonderful variety of classes to choose from, and the teaching is exceptional. The teachers are extremely caring and understanding to the students' needs at all times. They take their time to go through all of the material...

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Luther College is a destination for the active and actively involved. Located in northeast Iowa, with learning opportunities around the world, we encourage curiosity, community, and a commitment to the common good. The Luther curriculum emphasizes...

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Almost every department takes pride and enjoyment in teaching students everything they came to learn as well as a good deal they did not sign up for. Most students are pleasantly surprised by the faculty's desire and success in challenging what we...

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Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey is a 4-year public institution in the Trenton area. TCNJ is home to seven colleges and schools including the oldest teacher-training program in the state.  Today it is...

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College does change an individual, and I certainly am no exception. I went to TCNJ expecting to gain better writing skills and become immersed in learning about the journalistic world. In actuality, the real learning came from outside the classroom...

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Originally founded as a normal school, East Tennessee State University is a 4-year public university and part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. ETSU is home to 11 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees...

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I have learned a lot in the classes I have taken so far. I really learned a lot in my computer class and have enjoyed my teachers thus far. After taking sociology class, I decided to take more sociology in the future possibly making it a minor.

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Westmont has a really talented, engaging body of faculty members. They are willing to engage with students and strike a really good balance between sharing their expertise and letting students expand and share their ideas. Of course, a lot of this...

Founded in 1846, Taylor University is a private institution and one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in the nation. The school is based in Upland, Indiana. All students, staff, and faculty are required to resist tobacco, alcohol, and drug...

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Champlain has a lot of great teachers that don't hesitate to take their personal time to make you the best you can be. Whenever people said that I'd always think they were being paid but honestly it's true. It's only been one year but I've improved a...

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Founded in 1842, Roanoke College is a 4-year liberal arts institution, the second-oldest Lutheran-affiliated college in America. Roanoke offers over 100 areas of study on its Salem, Virginia, campus, all of which are complemented by a core curriculum...

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Albion College is a private liberal arts college associated with the United Methodist Church, though the institution is committed to religious diversity and non-discrimination. It is included in the 2019 Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US...

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Founded in 1907, Olivet Nazarene University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Olivet Nazarene confers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 academic areas of study. As a Christian institution, ONU holds twice...

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Because I was an undeclared major my freshman year I took a lot of different classes. I learned a lot of things in all of them. All the teachers that I had were very good and really cared about their students.

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Morehead State University is a public institution situated at the base of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Morehead, Kentucky. MSU has one of only five space science programs in the nation and offers all students a chance for undergraduate...

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Love this school...not to small yet its right between home and Lexington. Campus is beautiful the lake is gorgeous. The housing on campus is getting updated and renovated, to make it more modern. Morehead is AHMAZING!!!

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Xavier University of Louisiana is an historically black college and university (HBCU) located in New Orleans. This 4-year, liberal arts institution is one of 10 to receive a Building Infrastructures Leading to Diversity (BUILD) award for their...

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Saint Mary’s College is a private, Catholic, women’s college in Notre Dame, IN with a focus on “creating leaders & women of action.” The college offers more than 50 academic programs, which include six nationally accredited programs, and four...

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Truman State University is a 4-year public liberal arts college in northeast Missouri. Truman confers bachelor’s degrees in 47 academic majors and its Liberal Studies program combines “traditional learning” and “personal investigation.” Truman hosts...

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Northern Kentucky University is a 4-year public university in the greater Cincinnati area. NKU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the Northern Kentucky campus is home to a laser...

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The school is quickly becoming well-known for its academics now more than ever.

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Molloy College
Rockville Centre, NY

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Founded in 1842, Willamette University is a liberal arts institution in northwest Oregon and the oldest university in the western half of the United States. Willamette’s College of Liberal Arts offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic fields...

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” – Zachery from California

Founded by The Society of Jesus, Le Moyne College is a Jesuit institution in Syracuse, NY. The first co-ed Jesuit college in the United States, Le Moyne offers degrees in over 100 majors, minors and special programs. For students interested in the...

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At Le Moyne since it is a small school all the teachers know you on a personal level, and are very understanding. Teachers make sure that you are understanding the lessons and if you need extra help most of the time they are available for help during...

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Hanover College’s campus is nestled along the banks of the scenic Ohio River. Founded in 1827, Hanover is the oldest private college in Indiana. Our stunning natural campus is just an easy drive from one of 3 major metropolitan areas- Indianapolis...

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Hanover is more than a college, it's a community. I've never felt so accepted and welcomed in such a great environment. I feel like I wouldn't be the same person without my liberal arts education I've received here.

” – Shana from Hanover, IN

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The University of Dallas is a small, private Catholic institution based in Irving, Texas. The school offers programs in business, liberal arts, and ministry. A majority (approximately 80%) of students participate in the Rome study abroad programs. It...

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This University is definitely a challenge. You will learn to make connections between two or more subjects you're studying simultaneously, and can therefore more easily apply your knowledge to everyday life and your future career...UD is big on the...

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HBU has a lot to offer and has a very well rounded academic selection.

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With campus overlooking the St. Mary’s River,  St. Mary’s College of Maryland is a liberal arts institution in the Chesapeake Bay region. One of only two public honors colleges in the nation, St. Mary’s offers bachelor’s degrees in 24 academic majors...

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I am consistently challenged at St. Mary's. Each of my classes has been interesting and informative, even in areas that I had already studied previously. As a sophomore, I have already learned so much academically, and I've also learned a lot about...

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Saint Francis University has been great in transitioning me from living at home, to living away from family members. The environment is very welcoming and all of the faculty and staff are more than willing to help any student in need. Saint Francis...

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so far i have only taken core classes but they were very useful to my major. The college will not put you in classes you don't need.

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Founded in 1819 and situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville College is a 4-year liberal arts college in east Tennessee. Maryville confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 60 academic programs. Surrounded by a 140-acre forest, Maryville...

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Maryville College taught me how to write a premier college paper. MC also taught me how to manage my time through my freshman classes, faculty, and student body. Maryville College made school interesting and fun through the activities that occur in...

” – Ryan from Knoxville, TN

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Messiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...

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Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...

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Mills College is a private, liberal arts college located in Oakland, California. The college’s undergraduate program is exclusively open to women, though its graduate program is open to students of all genders. Mills has a unique core curriculum...

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I am not only learning a lot academically, I am also learning a lot about myself. Campus life at Mills College makes it a perfect place to learn about who you are and what you believe. Something I have discovered while here.

” – Sarah from pomona, CA

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Smaller school but a lot of majors to choose from. Teachers will take an interest in their students

” – HS Senior looking for the right college

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a 4-year public institution based in Baltimore and part of the University of Maryland system. UMBC is home to seven colleges and schools hosting over 55 undergraduate degree-granting programs. In...

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I did not expect to learn much due to entering this college with AP credits, but I have still learned many new things due to the immense variety of classes. In my internship, 90% or more of my daily activities were taught.

” – Roxanne from Glen Burnie, MD