ACT Score Percentiles 2026–27: What Your Composite Means

An ACT percentile tells you how your score compares with recent ACT-tested high school graduates.

The current ACT national ranks used for tests from September 2026 through August 2027 are based on graduates from 2024, 2025 and 2026.

See the rest of our ACT guides for more on scores, test dates and prep options.

Current Composite national ranks

The current Composite mean is about 19.1.

Is a 20 ACT good?

A 20 is around the 63rd percentile.

That means the score is above the performance of roughly 63% of the recent ACT-tested comparison group.

Whether it is competitive for a particular college depends on that college.

For a broader answer across every score range, see what counts as a good ACT score.

Is a 25 ACT good?

A 25 is around the 83rd percentile.

That is a strong national score.

Is a 30 ACT good?

A 30 is around the 94th percentile.

That places you among a relatively small share of ACT test takers.

If a 30 to 34 range is your target, the 30 to 34 study plan lays out how to close that gap.

Is a 34 ACT good?

A 34 is around the 99th percentile.

Nationally, that is an exceptional result.

It still does not guarantee admission to a highly selective college.

Percentile vs college range

These answer different questions.

Percentile

How does your score compare with recent ACT test takers?

College range

How does your score compare with students who submitted ACT scores to a particular college?

For application strategy, the college-specific range usually matters more.

Example

Your ACT: 30

National rank: about 94th percentile.

College A reported ACT range: 24–29.

A 30 may be a clear strength.

College B reported ACT range: 33–35.

The same 30 may be below the usual submitted range.

Section scores matter

Suppose:

• English 33
• Math 25
• Reading 32

Your Composite tells only part of the story.

Math may be the obvious retake target—especially if your colleges superscore.

For the full rundown of every ACT Math, English, Reading and Science topic, see the Enhanced ACT guide.

Percentile is not admission probability

A 99th-percentile ACT score does not mean:

“I have a 99% chance of admission.”

Admissions consider many factors beyond testing.

Use percentiles to understand score strength.

Use college data to make application decisions.

Official source

• ACT National Ranks: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/national-ranks.html

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