Is 19 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

When your ACT results arrived, you probably asked yourself, “Is 19 a good ACT score?” In reality, a 19 ACT score falls around the national average (19.4). The importance of scoring a 19 largely depends on your specific college goals and where you’re aiming to apply.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what a 19 ACT score means for your college plans and outline practical strategies to help you improve your score and reach your desired schools.

• How Good Is a 19 ACT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 19 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 19 ACT Score?

Is 19 a good ACT score? A score of 19 is right around  the average ACT score range, typically around 19–20. A 19 ACT score also places you around the 55th percentile, meaning you’ve performed similarly or better than nearly half of all test-takers.

Your score demonstrates a decent foundation in the core subject areas and makes you a viable candidate for numerous colleges, especially those with moderate admissions standards.

However, if your ambitions include highly selective or Ivy League institutions, you should be aware of how your 19 ACT score compares to the scores of their typical admitted students. Check out the table below:

As you can see, a 19 ACT score falls below the typical range (around 32–36) for highly selective colleges.

But remember, your application isn’t defined by your test scores alone! Admissions teams look at the whole picture, including your GPA, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters.

Additionally, many schools have adopted test-optional policies, giving you the choice to determine whether submitting your 19 ACT score will strengthen your application. If your strongest qualities include leadership, personal achievements, or unique life experiences, highlighting these can significantly boost your appeal and help your application stand out.

19 ACT percentile

Is 19 a good ACT score? It really depends on your goals. Let’s break it down even more:

When analyzing your 19 ACT score by individual sections, you’ll see it reflects foundational abilities across various subjects, but it also indicates clear opportunities for growth.

With a 19 ACT score, you’re right around the national average—typically between the 40th and 50th percentiles. This shows you’re keeping pace with many of your peers, highlighting competence in core academic areas, but it also means you have room to improve, especially if you’re targeting Ivy League or elite schools.

For these highly competitive institutions, average ACT scores often hover between 32 and 36. Therefore, raising your score significantly can strengthen your chances at admission. It’s essential to evaluate each section carefully—English, Reading, Math, and Science—to identify your strongest and weakest areas.

Perhaps you excel in English and Reading, demonstrating skills suited for humanities or social sciences, or you might feel comfortable in Math and Science, reflecting a foundation in analytical and quantitative reasoning.

Regardless, understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your study strategies, boost your overall ACT score, and ultimately create a stronger, more compelling college application.

19 ACT to SAT equivalent

If you’re wondering how your 23 ACT score compares to the SAT, it translates to about 1010. Some colleges let you submit either an ACT or SAT score, so knowing how they compare can help you decide which best represents your strengths.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 19 ACT Score

Wondering where your ACT score can take you? Here’s the good news: plenty of great colleges accept students with a 19 ACT score. Here are some of the best schools you can apply to:

1. Georgia State University 

Acceptance rate: 52%

Average tuition cost: $4,742 (in-state)

ACT range: 19-26

If you’re looking for a vibrant, urban college experience, Georgia State University (GSU) might be the perfect fit. Located in the heart of Atlanta, GSU offers strong programs in business, computer science, and healthcare, making it a great choice if you want access to internships and job opportunities in a major metropolitan area.

One of the coolest things about GSU is its commitment to student success—it has been nationally recognized for helping students from all backgrounds graduate at higher rates. You’ll also be studying in a city filled with Fortune 500 companies, music hubs, and cultural landmarks.

2. Texas State University

Acceptance rate: 89%

Average tuition cost: $12,220 (in-state)

ACT range: 19-26

At Texas State University, you’ll find the perfect balance of college-town charm and big-school energy. Located in San Marcos, halfway between Austin and San Antonio, Texas State is known for its education, business, and criminal justice programs. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be right at home—the San Marcos River runs through campus, making tubing and kayaking popular activities.

Texas State also boasts one of the largest student populations in Texas, so you’ll never run out of ways to get involved. And here’s a fun fact—President Lyndon B. Johnson is an alum, making Texas State the only Texas university to have produced a U.S. president!

3. Kean University

Acceptance rate: 77%

Average tuition cost: $7,150 (in-state)

ACT range: 16-25

If you want a high-quality education near the opportunities of New York City—without the sky-high tuition—Kean University is worth a look. Located in Union, New Jersey, just a short train ride from NYC, Kean is known for its education, psychology, and business programs.

One of its standout features is Kean Ocean, a partnership with Ocean County College that lets students earn a four-year degree at a lower cost. Kean is also home to Liberty Hall Museum, where you can explore Revolutionary War-era history right on campus.

4. Virginia Union University

Acceptance rate: 98%

Average tuition cost: $5,265

ACT range: 14-19

Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia Union University (VUU) combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to social justice and leadership. This HBCU has a tight-knit campus that encourages students to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

VUU is known for its business, criminal justice, theology, and cybersecurity programs. Civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker and Congressman Henry Marsh are two of its famous alumni.

5. Rust College

Acceptance rate: 79%

Average tuition cost: $6,692

ACT range: 17-19

Rust College is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country, and its small but mighty community is all about promoting student success. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, you’ll get the personalized attention you need to thrive.

Rust College has strong programs in biology, business administration, education, and social work. The inspiring journalist and civil rights activist, Ida B. Wells, studied at Rust.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Is 19 a good ACT score? The answer varies depending on your personal goals and the colleges you’re targeting.

A 19 ACT score sits comfortably within the average national range, typically between 19 and 20. While this indicates solid foundational skills, there’s also significant room for improvement, particularly if you’re aiming for Ivy League schools or other elite colleges, where average scores often range between 32 and 36.

If you believe your 19 ACT score doesn’t fully showcase your academic potential, retaking the test might be beneficial. However, it’s important to remember that score improvements are usually modest—a few points on average—with each retake.

Since your score is already within an acceptable range for many institutions, you might see greater returns by focusing your energy elsewhere. Concentrating on raising your GPA, deepening your extracurricular involvement, crafting compelling personal essays, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation can substantially enhance your college applications.

Moreover, with a growing number of schools adopting test-optional policies, you may not even need to submit your ACT score at all. Make sure to thoroughly research each college’s admissions guidelines before deciding if your ACT results will strengthen your application.

Ultimately, deciding whether to retake the ACT depends on your unique ambitions and college goals. It’s a good idea to consult your guidance counselor, a college admissions advisor, or a test-prep professional to help determine the right path forward.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Looking to boost your ACT score beyond a 19? You’re not alone—many students aim to improve their results to expand college options and strengthen their applications. In this section, we’ll share practical strategies and effective tips to help you achieve your target ACT score.

1. Know your weaknesses.

Start by taking a full-length ACT practice test to identify precisely where you’re struggling the most. Maybe you’re missing questions related to algebra and geometry in Math, having trouble interpreting data in Science, or facing challenges with understanding main ideas in Reading.

By focusing your study sessions on these weaker sections, rather than broadly reviewing everything equally, you’ll achieve more substantial score improvements faster.

2. Set a realistic and strategic target score.

Your target ACT score should align with your desired colleges. If you’re aspiring to Ivy League or highly selective universities, you’ll likely need to significantly boost your score—typically into the high 20s or above 30.

However, if you’re aiming for solid state universities, regional colleges, or institutions with moderate selectivity, raising your score just a few points, say from 19 to the mid-20s, could comfortably place you within their preferred admission range.

Always check the average ACT scores of your chosen schools to set a realistic yet motivating goal.

3. Use official ACT prep materials.

There are many study resources available, but sticking to official ACT practice tests and prep guides ensures you become familiar with the actual test format and question types. This minimizes surprises on exam day and boosts your confidence.

Remember, the ACT has four mandatory sections: English (grammar and writing), Math (algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry), Reading (passage comprehension), and Science (data analysis and interpretation). There’s also an optional Writing (essay) section.

The test takes just under 3 hours without the essay, and about 3 hours and 35 minutes with it. Check if your target schools require the essay to ensure you register appropriately.

4. Consider personalized tutoring.

If you feel stuck at a 19 ACT score, working with a tutor could provide the personalized guidance you need. An experienced ACT tutor can assess your specific strengths and weaknesses, creating a targeted plan to help you improve effectively. Personalized coaching can also keep you motivated and focused, providing an extra boost toward achieving your ideal ACT score.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentile is a 19 on the ACT?

A 19 ACT score puts you in the 55th percentile, which means you got a higher score than 55% of test-takers.

2. What is the ACT and why is it important?

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It measures a student’s academic readiness for college through four required sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—and an optional Writing section. Many colleges use ACT scores as part of their admissions criteria and scholarship decisions.

3. How many times can you take the ACT?

You can take the ACT as many times as you want, though most students take it 2–3 times. Retaking the test can help improve your score, especially after focused preparation.

4. What’s the difference between the ACT and SAT?

Both the ACT and SAT are college entrance exams, but they differ in format and content. The ACT includes a Science section and is generally faster-paced, while the SAT has more emphasis on vocabulary and includes a Math section with and without a calculator. Most colleges accept either test equally.

5. Is the ACT mandatory for college admissions?

Not anymore. Many colleges in the U.S. have adopted test-optional policies, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit ACT (or SAT) scores. However, submitting a strong score can still enhance your application—especially for scholarships or competitive programs.

Takeaways

• Scoring a 19 on the ACT puts you right around the national average. While it may not open doors to the most selective colleges, it still qualifies you for a wide range of solid universities across the country,
• Some of the best schools you can apply with your 19 ACT score include: Georgia State University, Texas State University, and Kean University.
• Whether you choose to improve your score or focus on strengthening other parts of your application—like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars—you have options. With the rise of test-optional admissions, your path forward is more flexible than ever. The key is knowing your goals and making strategic choices that reflect your strengths.
• Want to improve your ACT score and increase your chances of getting into Ivies and other top universities? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.