Is a 24 ACT Score Good? What It Means for College in 2025

A 24 composite score on the ACT sits right at the national average, which means it’s a solid, competitive score for a large number of colleges — but not a standout one at highly selective schools. If you’re asking “is a 24 ACT score good,” the honest answer is: yes, for many students and many colleges, it’s good enough to get you admitted. The ACT is scored on a 1–36 scale, and a 24 lands at roughly the 74th percentile nationally, according to ACT. That places you above about three-quarters of test-takers, which is genuinely respectable.

What “good” means, though, depends entirely on where you’re applying. A 24 opens doors at many state universities and less selective private colleges, but it typically falls short at Ivy League and other highly competitive institutions.

What a 24 ACT Score Actually Means

A 24 is composed of four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) that average together. Each section is scored 1–36, and the composite is rounded to the nearest whole number. A 24 composite usually means section scores clustered somewhere between 21 and 27.

For context, the national average ACT composite hovers around 19–20 in recent years. A 24 is meaningfully above that average.

Percentile Breakdown

Percentiles tell you how you compare to other test-takers. A composite of 24 typically falls around the 74th percentile, meaning you scored higher than roughly 74% of students who took the test. That’s a strong position — but it’s important to remember percentiles shift slightly year to year and depend on the specific testing cohort.

Here’s a rough sense of where a 24 sits relative to common score bands:

The takeaway: a 24 keeps you competitive at a wide range of schools, but it won’t carry an application at the most selective ones on its own.

Where a 24 Helps — and Where It Doesn’t

The value of your score depends heavily on your target list. There’s no universal cutoff, and many colleges now weigh test scores alongside GPA, essays, and activities — or don’t require them at all.

Strong Fit: Many Public and Regional Universities

At numerous state universities, regional colleges, and less selective private schools, a 24 is comfortably within or above the middle 50% of admitted students. At these schools, your score supports your application rather than holding it back. Combined with a solid GPA, a 24 can make you a competitive applicant and may even qualify you for some merit-based scholarships.

Weaker Fit: Highly Selective Schools

At Ivy League and other top-tier institutions, the middle 50% of admitted students typically score in the 32–35 range. A 24 would fall well below that band, making admission unlikely on test scores alone — even with strong other factors. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply if you have a compelling story, but you should be realistic about the odds.

Test-Optional Considerations

Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, a trend tracked by College Board and other organizations. If your 24 is below a school’s typical range, you may choose whether to submit it. At schools where your score is at or above the middle 50%, submitting usually helps. Where it’s below, going test-optional can sometimes be the better move — though policies vary widely, so check each school’s current rules.

Should You Retake the ACT?

If your 24 is below the range for your dream schools, a retake is worth considering. Many students improve by 2–4 points on a second attempt, especially with targeted prep.

Ask yourself a few practical questions:

• Is my score below the middle 50% at my target schools? If yes, a higher score could meaningfully change your odds.
• Do I have time to prepare? A focused 6–10 weeks of study often yields gains.
• Would a higher score unlock scholarships? Some merit awards have score thresholds, so a few points can translate into real money.

Here’s a quick worked example. Imagine you have a 3.6 GPA and a 24 ACT. Applying to your in-state public university, where the middle 50% is 22–27, you’re right in the mix — a strong candidate. Applying to a selective flagship where the middle 50% is 29–33, your 24 sits below the pack. Same score, very different outcome, purely based on the school. This is why “good” is always relative.

If you’re unsure whether to retake, weigh the cost (time, money, stress) against the benefit at your specific schools. A retake makes the most sense when it could move you from “below range” to “in range” at schools you genuinely want to attend.

One more consideration: superscoring. Many colleges combine your best section scores across multiple test dates to create a higher composite. If you’ve taken the ACT more than once, check whether your target schools superscore — it could raise your effective score without a single perfect sitting.

How to Strengthen Your Application Regardless

Your ACT score is just one piece of your application. If you’re sticking with a 24, focus on the parts you can still control.

• Craft strong essays. A compelling personal statement can offset a middling test score.
• Show upward GPA trends. A rising grade trajectory signals growth and maturity.
• Get meaningful recommendations. Teachers who know you well can add real texture.
• Demonstrate interest and fit. Demonstrated interest still matters at some schools.

For students weighing standardized testing more broadly, remember that admissions is holistic at most institutions. A 24 doesn’t define you — it’s one data point among many.

Key Takeaways

• A 24 ACT composite is above the national average (around 19–20) and typically sits near the 74th percentile.
• It’s a solid, competitive score for many state universities, regional colleges, and less selective private schools.
• It generally falls below the range for highly selective and Ivy League schools, where admits often score in the 32–35 range.
• Whether it’s “good” depends entirely on your target schools — always compare your score to each school’s middle 50%.
• A retake can be worthwhile if your score is below range for your dream schools, especially with focused prep.
• Test-optional policies give you flexibility, but check each school’s current rules before deciding whether to submit.
• Your score is one factor among many; essays, GPA, and recommendations can all strengthen your application.