What is a Good ACT Score for Top US Universities? (2026 Targets)

Introduction

You have decided to take the ACT. Good choice. But before you open your first prep book, you need a number. Is a 28 "good"? Is a 32 "safe"? Or do you need a perfect 36?

For the 2026 admission cycle, the answer isn't simple. With the New Enhanced ACT rolling out (shorter test, optional Science section), the rules of the game are shifting. However, one thing remains constant: top-tier universities demand top-tier numbers.

This guide decodes exactly what "good ACT score for US universities" means for your dream list whether that’s Harvard, Georgia Tech, or a scholarship-heavy state university.

Read First: Not sure if ACT is right for you? Check our comparison guide: SAT vs. ACT 2026: Which Test is "Safer" for International Students?

What is a Good ACT Score for US Universities? (2026 Highlights)

Feature	Details
Max Score	36 (Composite)
National Average	~19-21
"Good" Score	24+ (Top 25% of test-takers)
"Ivy League" Score	34–36 (Top 1%)
New 2026 Rule	Science is now Optional. Composite score = Avg of English, Math, Reading.

Understanding ACT Percentiles (The "Ranking" Logic)

US colleges don't just look at your raw score; they look at how you compare to other students globally.

• 34–36 (Top 1%): You are elite. You are scoring higher than 99% of students. This is the Ivy League / Stanford / MIT territory.

• 30–33 (Top 5–7%): You are exceptional. This range opens doors to Top Public Universities (like UNC Chapel Hill, Georgia Tech, UMich).

• 24–29 (Top 25%): You are above average. This is a solid score for State Universities (like Penn State, Purdue, Texas A&M).

2026 Target Scores by University Tier

The "Enhanced ACT" is shorter (2 hours), but the scoring scale (1–36) remains the same. Here is what you need to aim for based on your target list.

1. Tier 1: The "Ivy Plus" (Ivies, Stanford, MIT, Caltech)

These schools are hyper-competitive. For the class of 2026, many have reinstated mandatory testing.

• Safe Score: 34–36

• Average Admit: 35

• Percentile: 99th

• Strategy: If you are applying for Engineering (CS) at MIT or Princeton, a 36 in Math is virtually required. A 33 might hurt your application unless you have extraordinary extracurriculars.

2. Tier 2: Top Public Ivies (Georgia Tech, UMich, UCLA, UT Austin)

Excellent education with slightly higher acceptance rates than the Ivies.

• Safe Score: 32–34

• Average Admit: 33

• Percentile: 95th–98th

• Note: For Computer Science majors at these schools, treat them like Tier 1. Aim for 34+.

3. Tier 3: Good State Universities (Purdue, Texas A&M, Penn State)

These universities offer incredible ROI and often have large intakes for international students.

• Safe Score: 28–32

• Average Admit: 29–30

• Percentile: 88th–95th

• Scholarship Tip: A score of 30+ here can often unlock significant tuition discounts.

Does Your Major Affect Your Target Score?

Yes. The New ACT 2026 makes the Science section optional, but your major dictates if you should take it.

• Engineering / Pre-Med / CS Aspirants:

  • Verdict: You MUST take the Science section.

  • Why: Admissions officers at places like Carnegie Mellon or Johns Hopkins need to see your data interpretation skills. A "Missing" Science score looks suspicious for a STEM applicant.

  • Target: 34+ in Math & Science.

    
    

• Humanities / Business / Arts Aspirants:

  • Verdict: You might skip Science if it drags your score down.

  • Focus: Maximize your English and Reading scores (35+).

  • Target: A composite of 32+ is excellent, even with a lower Math score.

ACT Scores & Scholarships (The Money Talk)

One of the biggest advantages of the ACT is Merit Aid. Many US universities have transparent "Automatic" scholarship tables.

Example: University of Alabama (2026 Estimates)

• ACT 28: ~$10,000 / year scholarship.

• ACT 30–31: ~$24,000 / year scholarship.

• ACT 32–36: $28,000 / year (Presidential Scholarship).

  
  

Note: Just 4 extra points (28 to 32) can save you nearly $72,000 over four years!

FAQ: What Score Do You Need?

1. What is a "good" ACT score for the Class of 2026?

For top-tier universities (Ivies, Stanford, MIT), a "good" score is 34–36. For competitive public universities (like Georgia Tech or UMich), aim for 32+. For most state universities, 24–28 is considered strong.

2. Does the new "Science Optional" rule change my total score?

No. In the new 2026 format, your Composite Score (out of 36) is calculated as the average of English, Math, and Reading only. If you choose to take the Science section, you get a separate Science score (1–36) and a STEM score, but it does not affect your main composite score.

3. Is 30 a good ACT score for Indian students?

Yes, a 30 puts you in the top 7% of test-takers globally. It is an excellent score for universities like Purdue, Penn State, and Texas A&M, and often qualifies you for merit scholarships. However, for Ivy League schools, you should aim higher (33+).

4. Do US colleges "Superscore" the ACT?

Yes, most top US colleges (including MIT and Duke) use Super scoring. This means if you take the ACT twice, they will combine your highest Math, English, Reading, and Science scores from different attempts to create a new, higher "Super score."

5. Should I submit a 32 to Harvard or go Test-Optional?

Harvard’s middle 50% score range is usually 34–36. A 32 falls in the bottom 25% of admitted students. Unless you have a very unique profile (recruited athlete, extraordinary talent), it is often better to apply Test-Optional than to submit a 32.

6. What is the minimum ACT score for scholarships?

Many public universities offer automatic merit scholarships starting at a score of 28. The scholarship amount typically increases significantly at 30 and maximizes at 32+ (often covering 50-100% of tuition).

7. Is the ACT easier than the SAT for 2026?

It depends on your strengths. The ACT allows a calculator for the entire Math section and has more straightforward questions. However, the SAT gives you more time per question. If you are fast at reading and good at graphs, the ACT might be easier for you.

8. Do I need to take the Writing (Essay) section?

Generally, No. Most universities, including the Ivy League, have dropped the essay requirement. However, check the specific requirements of your target colleges. If you are unsure, it is safer to skip it and focus on the main sections.

Conclusion

Don't aim for a "perfect" score; aim for the score that gets you into your college. If your dream is Georgia Tech, fight for that 33. If you want a scholarship at Alabama, secure that 32. Now that you know what constitutes a good ACT score for US universities, the next step is execution. Read our step-by-step guide on how to prep for the new format: 👉 [Next Step: How to Score 33+ in ACT (Section-Wise Strategy)]