Is 23 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

When you received your ACT results, you might have wondered, “Is a 23 a good ACT score?” The reality is, a 23 is quite impressive and actually places you above the national average of 19.4.

However, the significance of a 23 ACT score can vary depending on your college aspirations. In this guide, we’ll break down what a 23 ACT score truly means for your college applications and help you determine your next steps.

• How Good Is a 23 ACT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 23 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 23 ACT Score?

Is 23 a good ACT score? The answer is yes—it’s a solid accomplishment! A 23 places you around the 75th percentile, meaning you scored higher than most test-takers. This score reflects strong academic abilities across all subjects tested, making you a competitive candidate for many colleges, including those with moderate selectivity.

However, if you’re aiming for Ivy League schools, it’s important to understand how your 23 ACT score compares to the middle 50% range of their admitted students. In the following sections, we’ll break that down for you.

As you can see, while a 23 ACT score falls slightly below the average range (32 to 36) for the Ivy League.

But don’t worry—your application is about much more than just your test score! Admissions officers consider a variety of factors, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.

Plus, with many schools now adopting test-optional policies, you have the flexibility to decide whether submitting your ACT score will enhance your application. If your strengths lie in leadership, personal achievements, or unique experiences, be sure to highlight those aspects to make your application stand out.

23 ACT percentile

Is 23 a good ACT score? The answer is yes for a wide range of strong colleges and universities. Let’s break it down even more:

When you break down your 23 ACT score by section, it reveals a well-rounded set of strengths. Your English and Reading scores, falling in the 76th and 71st percentiles respectively, showcase your solid comprehension, writing, and critical thinking abilities—skills that will serve you well if you’re considering a path in the humanities or social sciences.

Meanwhile, your Math and Science scores, positioned in the mid-75th percentile range, demonstrate your foundation in quantitative reasoning and analytical skills, highlighting your versatility in both verbal and STEM subjects.

While these scores are a strong representation of your abilities, there’s still room for improvement if you’re aiming for more competitive schools or looking to strengthen your application further.

23 ACT to SAT equivalent

If you’re wondering how your 23 ACT score compares to the SAT, it translates to about 1140. 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 23 ACT Score

Wondering where your 23 ACT score can take you? While it may not be at the top of the range for highly selective schools, there are still plenty of colleges where a 23 puts you in a strong position. Let’s explore the schools where you can confidently apply with a score like yours:

1. Arizona State University

Acceptance rate: 90%

Average tuition cost: $14,215 (in-state)

ACT range: 22-29

Is 23 a good ACT score? For many schools, including Arizona State University (ASU), a score of 23 is certainly competitive.

ASU, the largest university in the U.S. with over 145,000 students, is recognized for its strong business and engineering programs as well as its leadership in sustainability. In fact, it ranks #1 nationally and #10 globally for its dedication to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through education, research, and real-world application.

ASU boasts an impressive 90% acceptance rate, making it a viable option for many applicants. To be admitted as a freshman, students typically need to be in the top 25% of their high school class, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in core subjects, or achieve an ACT score of at least 22 (24 for out-of-state students).

With a 23 ACT score, you’re in a good position to meet or exceed the requirements for admission, especially as a local student.

2. University of Kentucky

Acceptance rate: 92%

Average tuition cost: $6,751 (in-state)

ACT range: 21-28

If you’re aiming for the University of Kentucky (UK), a score of 23 can certainly put you in a competitive position. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, UK offers over 200 academic programs across various fields such as liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, professional studies, and medicine.

The University of Kentucky is also known for its successful Wildcats basketball team, with eight national championships, and a renowned dance team, whose alumni often perform for NFL teams.

While a 23 ACT score may give you a stronger chance of admission, a 23 is still within reach for UK, especially given its late application deadlines. This makes it a great option for students who are still finalizing their college decisions.

3. University of Idaho

Acceptance rate: 79%

Average tuition cost: $9,356 (in-state)

ACT range: 20-29

Founded in 1889, UI is the oldest public university in Idaho and is well-regarded for its strong programs in business, psychology, and engineering. The university also offers specialized degrees in fields like water resources, environmental policy, and wildlife management.

UI is also known for its Raven Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for neurodivergent students, ensuring both academic and social success.

Submitting your test scores is encouraged, and with a 23 ACT score, you are still a solid contender for acceptance.

4. Texas Tech University

Acceptance rate: 71%

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

ACT range: 22-28

If you’re considering Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, a score of 23 is good and within a competitive range for admission. Texas Tech, with its 1,839-acre campus and stunning Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, offers a vibrant academic environment.

With around 41,000 students, the university provides over 100 undergraduate programs, with particular strength in business, engineering, and health-related fields. Texas Tech is also known for its strong support of military veterans and their families, making it an excellent choice for students with military connections.

5. University of Tampa

Acceptance rate: 41%
Average tuition cost: $32,096

ACT range: 23-27

If you’re considering the University of Tampa (UTampa), a 23 ACT score is good and can help strengthen your application, though it’s not required. Located in sunny Tampa, Florida, UTampa offers a dynamic city-centered campus perfect for students interested in fields like business, marine science, nursing, and more.

The university is known for its emphasis on personalized education, with small class sizes that foster strong interactions between students and professors. While submitting your test scores isn’t mandatory for admission, if you feel your 23 ACT score reflects your academic potential, it can be a good idea to include it as part of your application.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Is 23 a good ACT score? Ultimately, it depends on your personal goals and the schools you’re targeting. If you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges or feel your 23 ACT score doesn’t fully reflect your potential, retaking the test could be an option to consider.

However, keep in mind that most students only see a modest improvement of a few points with a second attempt.

Since a 23 ACT score is already solid, you might gain more by redirecting your energy elsewhere. Focus on boosting your GPA, strengthening your extracurricular activities, crafting standout essays, and securing strong recommendation letters—these factors can make a significant impact on your application.

Additionally, with many colleges adopting test-optional policies, you might not even need to submit your ACT score if you choose not to. Be sure to review each school’s current admission requirements before deciding whether to include your score.

At the end of the day, whether or not to retake the ACT is a personal decision based on your college goals. Consider talking to your guidance counselor, a college admissions representative, or a test prep expert to help you determine the best course of action.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

23 is already a good ACT score, but if you’re aiming for even higher, there are smart ways to get there! Here’s how you can build a plan to boost your score:

1. Identify your weakest areas.

Begin by taking a full-length practice test to pinpoint where you’re losing the most points. Whether it’s geometry in Math, data interpretation in Science, or main idea questions in Reading, knowing your weakest sections allows you to target your study sessions more effectively.

Focusing on these areas will be more beneficial than spreading your efforts across all sections equally.

2. Set a realistic target score.

Your goal should align with the schools you’re considering. If you’re aiming for highly competitive institutions, you might need to push your score closer to 30 or above. However, if you’re targeting a solid state university or regional college, just a few points above 23, perhaps around 25, might already position you where you need to be.

Be sure to check the average ACT scores for your target schools to ensure your goal is both achievable and motivating.

3. Stick to official ACT prep materials.

There are countless resources available, but using the official ACT prep guides and practice tests is your best bet. These materials will familiarize you with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter on test day, helping you avoid surprises.

The ACT consists of four mandatory sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science—plus an optional Writing (essay) section. The test lasts just under 3 hours without the essay and about 3 hours and 35 minutes with it.

It begins with the English section, which tests grammar and writing style, followed by Math, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry. The exam concludes with the Reading and Science sections, which assess your ability to comprehend passages and interpret data.

While the essay section is optional, check if your schools require it before registering.

4. Consider working with a tutor.

If you’re feeling stuck or want a more tailored approach, an ACT tutor could make a big difference. Tutors are well-versed in the nuances of the test and can help you craft a study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. Having a coach to guide and motivate you can be invaluable, especially when you’re aiming to bump your score a few points.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentile is a 23 on the ACT?

A 23 ACT score puts you in the 75th percentile, which means you got a higher score than 75% of test-takers.

2. How is the ACT scored?

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 for each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Your composite score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. The optional Writing (essay) section is scored separately, on a scale of 2 to 12, and does not affect your composite score. Your composite score is typically the main score reported to colleges.

3. What is a good ACT score?

A “good” ACT score really depends on your goals. In general, the national average ACT score is around 19–20. So if you’re scoring above that—like a 23—you’re already doing better than most test-takers.

If you’re aiming for competitive schools, a score in the high 20s or low 30s will put you in a stronger position. For Ivy League and top-tier universities, you’re usually looking at a 32 or higher.

Takeaways

• A 23 ACT score is a solid accomplishment that places you around the 75th percentile of test-takers. While it may not put you at the top of the range for the most competitive schools, it still opens doors to a wide range of colleges and universities.
• Some of the best schools you can apply with your 23 ACT score include: Arizona State University, University of Kentucky, and University of Idaho.
• If you’re looking to improve, remember that focused preparation, identifying your weakest areas, and setting realistic goals can help you boost your score.
• Whether you decide to retake the ACT or focus on other aspects of your application, such as GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, the key is to present your best self. Keep in mind that many schools are now test-optional, so you have flexibility in how you present your application.
• 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.