Introduction
The college admission process has become very competitive over the years. Before applying to any college, it’s essential to understand the role of your ACT scores. With the shifting in testing policies and a decrease in the acceptance rate, one needs to thoroughly understand the current scenario of the college application and the role of your ACT score in the same. This blog is dedicated to navigating this very critical milestone of your journey to your dream colleges.
1. The Return of ACT Testing Matters
During the pandemic, the application process became test-optional, but now many colleges are restoring the policy of standardised test requirements. Even in the case of colleges with test-optional policies, the admission officers encourage the submission of test scores. The example of universities that require your test scores are Yale, Brown, Dartmouth have already while the universities like Stanford, Cornell, and the University of Texas at Austin will follow the same in the 2025–2026 cycle.
2. Admission Landscape: More Applicants, Stiffer Competition
Every year, the number of applications is rising; common data suggests a rise in 4% of applicants and a 6% rise in the total number of applications. This indicates a larger number of applications in the colleges every year. On the other hand, the acceptance rate is declining due to the extreme competition, especially in fields like business, engineering, and computer science. For example, NYU’s acceptance rate fell dramatically from 65% in 1995 to just 7.7% today.
3. What ACT Scores Are Considered Good in 2025
A score around 23 is considered to be a good ACT score in 2025, positioning you amongst the top 25% scorers. But for acceptance in the top-tier universities, you will need a score of 30+, while a score of 24-28 is strong for the selective schools.
For your reference, elite universities report middle-50% ACT ranges between 33 and 36.
4. How to Strategize Your ACT for 2025 Admissions
- Aim for ≥23: 23 is a baseline score, and for the top institutions, you should target a score of 30+.
- Research your school’s score ranges: You should be aware of the middle range score accepted by all your desired colleges. Simultaneously, you should work on your scores and other aspects of the college application.
- Consider early application routes: Applying Early Decision or Early Action can offer you an advantage, though highly selective colleges reinstating testing saw early application numbers drop; for example, Yale’s early action pool fell by 14%.
- Use scores beyond admissions: High ACT scores can help you get scholarships, which can support you financially as well as help you with better course placement.
Conclusion
In 2025, with an increase in competition, there will be a decline in acceptance rate, and hence, your ACT scores will play a major role in your admissions to your dream colleges. To secure admissions in the top colleges, you must have a score of 30+. Also, with the high ACT score, you will need to work on the other aspects of college applications to maximize your chances of acceptance by the college.
How The Princeton Review Can Guide You Through the ACT and College Admissions
The Princeton Review is more than just a test-prep provider. It helps you with targeted strategies to secure guaranteed high scores in your ACT and also guides you with the other aspects of the college applications.
- Personalized Study Plans – The personalized study plans are built based on your preparation. These plans help you improve your scores by working on your weaknesses.
- Expert Instructors – The instructors at The Princeton Review are highly experienced and very well trained. They understand the ACT pattern well and provide you with the best guidance.
- Practice Tools That Work – Full-length practice tests, performance analytics, and question banks help you analyse your strengths and weaknesses. Also, they help you with time management and make you aware of the pattern of the test before the actual test
- Flexible Learning Options – The course provides various formats such as In-person classes, live online courses, and self-paced programs. This flexibility helps you manage the other aspects of the application.
- College Admissions Insights – With your ACT preparation, the experts also guide you on how to approach your dream college with an impressive college application. They also help you align the college choices with your obtained scores on the test.
By combining proven strategies with personalized coaching, The Princeton Review doesn’t just prepare you for a test — it equips you with the skills and confidence to navigate the entire college admissions process.