32 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 32 ACT Score
The ACT is a standardized test administered nationwide that most colleges use as part of their application process to determine proficiency in math, reading, science, and English. Between the four portions, there are 215 questions designed to be answered in 2 hours and 55 minutes.
The ACT is rated on a scoring scale between 1 and 36, with the average score for the two million students who take the ACT each year is a 21.
Students can also choose to take an optional Writing portion, which is scored separately and differently. Designed to test a student’s ability to generate productive ideas, offer rationale, and organize their arguments, this optional portion adds 40 minutes to the test-taking time.
Is a 32 ACT Score (97th Percentile) Good?
When determining whether a score is “good” or “not-so-good,” we look at three things: opportunity, competitiveness, and chance of merit aid. A 32 ACT score makes you eligible to apply to any college, makes you a competitive candidate at all but a handful, and should earn you merit aid from both your potential future college or university, as well as from third-party scholarship providers. All that considered, yes, 32 is a good ACT score.
To show you just how good, we have to look at the percentiles. A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile — that means you scored higher than 97% all test takers! Congratulations!
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 32?
A score of 32 is competitive for acceptance at just about any college and we’ve assembled a list of schools to consider below. It should be noted that a standardized test score by itself cannot guarantee admission but all of the following schools have set a precedent of admitting students who score a 32 on the ACT.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 32 Score?
You’re in a great position to go to college and, unless a college you really want to apply to wants a higher score, there’s no particular reason to retake it.
A 32 ACT not only makes you an eligible candidate for acceptance, it also makes you a competitive one. This high of an ACT score will also likely provide a decent amount of merit aid at most colleges and universities, especially paired with a decent GPA, whether it’s a large public university or a small private liberal arts college.
As a junior, you’ve likely started thinking about college already, but now that you’ve received your standardized test score, it’s time to really solidify your college list and start visiting campuses. If you don’t know exactly where you would feel most comfortable yet, don’t worry. Pay a visit to your school’s college resource center and consult a counselor. You can also attend sessions with visiting admissions officers to get a better idea of where you want to attend.
The only reason to consider retaking the ACT at this point would be if you have your eye on an Ivy League Institution. A 32 makes you eligible to apply, but it doesn’t make you the most competitive candidate. Falling in the 25th percentile of what they accept, a 32 is still a good score to apply with, but most students they accept fall in the 34-35 range, which makes up their 75th percentile. The higher your ACT score, the more difficult it can be to elevate it, even the few points that make up the distance between 32 and 35. With some concerted effort, though, it’s definitely possible. Take a closer look at your score breakdown and see where you can improve. You can also consider hiring a tutor if it’s financially in the cards.
As a senior, it may be late to try and retake the ACT, especially for colleges and universities with earlier deadlines, but it’s not out of the question if you’re determined to become a prime candidate for a selective institution. A 32 ACT, as stated previously, is a great score and will likely come with a significant amount of merit aid at most institutions, so focusing on your final year of high school and perfecting your college applications is a great next step. Writing a compelling personal essay and putting together a comprehensive list of your extracurriculars, projects, and after school activities will be extremely beneficial. Also, remember to contact any teacher who impacted your high school career and ask them to write a letter of recommendation.
32 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 32 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 1450 to 1480 on the SAT. While what you earn on one test may not be what you earn on the other, this is a good way to understand how you compare to students taking the SAT.
The ACT and SAT have a few key differences, including in time management, tools used, and even content. If one test doesn’t seem to work with your testing style, it may be worthwhile to take a practice version of the other to see what your predicted score would be. Since you did so well on the ACT, though, there isn’t any pressing reason to do this in your case.
Scholarships for a 32 ACT Score
A 32 ACT score will earn you a sizable amount of merit aid, both from your potential college or university and from third-party scholarship providers. On top of merit aid, you should also apply to scholarships based on location, future major, extracurriculars, passions, and more! Get started using our extensive scholarship database today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32 a good ACT score?
A 32 ACT score makes you eligible to apply to most (if not all) colleges, makes you a competitive applicant, and makes you eligible for merit aid. All that considered, yes, a 32 is a good score!
What colleges can I get into with a 32 ACT score?
What percentile is a 32 ACT score?
A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 97% of all test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 32 ACT score?
A 32 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1450 to 1480 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 32 ACT score?
A 32 ACT score makes you eligible for merit aid from your future college or university, as well as from third-party scholarship providers. On top of applying for merit aid, make sure to apply for scholarships based on your location, passions, life circumstances, future major, and more.
