33 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 33 ACT Score
The ACT is a standardized test consulted by numerous colleges as part of the admissions process. The exam is made up of four sections, Reading, English, Mathematics, and Science, and can be taken with an optional Writing section.
The four main sections are made up of 215 questions and designed to be completed in 2 hours and 55 seconds. The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36, with the average score for all test takers hovering just under 21.
The optional Writing portion features one prompt with 3 perspectives and adds 40 minutes to the test time. It is scored separately and differently from the rest of the exam.
Is a 33 ACT Score (98th Percentile) Good?
A 33 ACT score enables you to apply to every college in the country and be competitive for admission at just about all of them as well, even the most selective colleges and universities. Since the primary goal of taking the ACT is to increase competitiveness of your college application, a score of 33 definitely accomplishes that task!
To help you understand how great of a score this is, let’s look at this from the angle of percentiles. A 33 puts you at the 98th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 98% of all test takers! Congratulations! You’re also qualified for a sizable amount of merit aid, which can really help pay off college tuition.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 33?
A score as high as 33 makes you an eligible, competitive candidate at a number of schools, from large universities to small liberal arts colleges. We’ve assembled a sample list below. While no ACT score on its own guarantees acceptance, all of these institutions have a history of admitting students with ACT scores of 33.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 33 Score?
With a 33 ACT score, there’s no need to retake the exam. The only reason to consider retaking the ACT is to increase your competitiveness at the most elite colleges. Because competition for elite schools is fierce, every extra point both on your ACT score and GPA will help. A 33 lands you solidly in the mid-range for average acceptance at places like Yale and Harvard, above their 25th percentile, which is 32, but below the 75th, which is 34-35.
If you decide to give the test another go, analyze the breakdown of your current test result and see if there’s any specific section you can improve. If you’re pretty even across the board, take several practice tests while timing yourself and consider getting a tutor to help you get those next two points!
If you’re a junior, you’re well set to receive some great merit aid just about everywhere you apply. The main course of action after achieving such an incredible ACT score is to concentrate on maintaining a strong performance in every class to make sure that your GPA is as impressive as your ACT score.
If you’re happy with your ACT score, which you should be, it’s time to put together a solid college list. Pay a visit to your school’s college resource center and schedule a consultation with the college counselor. They’ll be able to offer a list of suggested schools based on the best fit for your personality and academic skill set. Following the consultation, do some independent research to help narrow the list down.
For seniors, don’t neglect the other parts of the college application, especially the personal essay and list of after school activities. Have your college counselor read it over and ask for suggestions to help it present you in the best possible light. Contact some of your favorite teachers and ask them to compose a letter of recommendation. Remember that the more specific the letter, the more effective it will be. If your academic record and essay demonstrates the same level of quality as an ACT score of 33, this application will put you in a good position for admission at just about every college.
33 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 33 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1490 to 1510 on the SAT. Because the tests have a few differences, what you earn on one test may not be what you earn on the other, but this is a good way to understand how you compare.
The ACT and SAT are different in time management, tool usage, and even in content. As a result, some students excel more on one test than the other, and it may be worthwhile to take a practice version of the SAT to see your possible score.
Scholarships for a 33 ACT Score
A 33 ACT score will earn you plenty of merit aid, both from your potential future institution and from third-party scholarship providers. On top of applying for scholarships based on your ACT, you should also apply to scholarships based on your future major, passions, life circumstances, extracurriculars, and more! Get started today using our extensive scholarship database and build up that nest egg to offset college tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 33 a good ACT score?
An ACT score of 33 makes you an eligible and competitive applicant at a majority of schools, as well as makes you qualified for a sizable amount of merit aid. Because of all of that, a 33 ACT score is definitely considered good!
What colleges can I get into with a 33 ACT score?
You’re an eligible and competitive applicant at a majority of colleges and universities. Among your Target institutions, you can include the University of California-Los Angeles, University of Virginia-Main Campus, and Emory University.
What percentile is a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT score puts you at the 98th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 98% of test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1490 to 1510 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT score qualifies you for merit aid from both your potential future college or university, as well as from third-party scholarship providers. Be sure to apply for all types of scholarships, though, including ones for life circumstances, passions, extracurriculars, location, and more.
