Is 25 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

When you got your ACT results back, you probably asked yourself, “Is 25 a good ACT score?” The truth is, scoring a 25 is actually pretty impressive—it puts you above the national average!

But depending on your college goals, a 25 ACT score might mean different things. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a 25 ACT score really means for your applications and what your next steps should be.

• How Good Is a 25 ACT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 25 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 25 ACT Score?

Scoring a 25 on the ACT is a solid accomplishment! It places you in about the 83rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than the majority of students who took the test. A 25 ACT score shows you have strong academic skills across all subjects tested. With a score like this, you’re in a good spot for a wide range of colleges, including some that are moderately competitive.

If you’re aiming for Ivies, though, you’ll want to know how your 25 ACT score stacks up against the middle 50% range of their admitted students. We’ll break that down for you here:

As you can see, a 25 ACT score is a little below the average range (32 to 36) for the most highly selective schools, but don’t stress—there’s a lot more to your application than just your test score!

Admissions officers also weigh your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters heavily. Plus, with more schools going test-optional, you have the flexibility to decide if sending your ACT score strengthens your application. If your biggest strengths are leadership, personal achievements, or unique experiences, make sure those really shine in your application.

25 ACT percentile

Is 25 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 it down by section, your 25 ACT score shows a lot of strengths across the board. Your English and Reading scores land around the 83rd and 77th percentile, which highlights your comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills—a big plus if you’re leaning toward humanities or social sciences.

Your Math and Science scores, falling in the mid 85 percentile range, show you also have a solid foundation in quantitative and analytical skills.

25 ACT to SAT equivalent

If you’re wondering how your 25 ACT score compares to the SAT, it translates to about 1210. 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 25 ACT Score

Scoring a 25 on the ACT opens up a lot more college options than you might think. While it may not land you in the Ivy League, plenty of well-respected schools consider a 25 ACT score as competitive, especially when paired with a strong GPA and solid extracurriculars.

Let’s take a look at some great colleges where your score can make a strong impression:

1. Arizona State University

Acceptance rate: 90%

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

ACT range: 22-29

Arizona State University (ASU) stands out as the largest university in the U.S., boasting an enrollment exceeding 145,000 students. Renowned for its strong business and engineering programs, ASU also leads in sustainability initiatives, ranking #1 nationally and #10 globally for its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through education, research, and practical application.

With an impressive 90% acceptance rate, ASU is often considered a safety school for many applicants. Admission as a freshman typically requires being in the top 25% of one’s high school class, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in core subjects, or achieving an ACT score of at least 22 (24 for out-of-state students).

2. University of Kentucky

Acceptance rate: 92%

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

ACT range: 21-28

The University of Kentucky (UK), located in Lexington, Kentucky, offers an array of over 200 academic programs across liberal arts, engineering, professional studies, agriculture, and medicine. Known for its competitive Wildcats basketball team with eight national championships, UK also boasts a renowned dance team whose alumni often go on to perform for NFL teams.

With a 25 ACT score, you have a strong chance of admission to UK, which offers late application deadlines, making it a viable option for those still exploring their college choices.

3. University of Idaho

Acceptance rate: 79%

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

ACT range: 20-29

A notable land-grant institution is the University of Idaho, founded in 1889 and the oldest public university in Idaho. UI is recognized for its robust programs in business, psychology, and engineering, as well as specialized degrees in water resources, environmental policy, and wildlife management. The university’s Raven Scholars Program supports neurodivergent students, offering personalized assistance to ensure academic and social success.

For admission to University of Idaho, submitting test scores is encouraged, though with a 25 ACT score, applicants are well-positioned for acceptance.

4. Texas Tech University

Acceptance rate: 71%

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

ACT range: 22-28

Texas Tech University, situated in Lubbock, Texas, boasts a sprawling 1,839-acre campus known for its Spanish Renaissance-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. With approximately 41,000 students, Texas Tech offers over 100 undergraduate programs, emphasizing business, engineering, and health-related fields.

It is also recognized for its support of military veterans and families, making it a top choice for those with military connections.

5. University of Tampa

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

ACT range: 23-27

Finally, the University of Tampa (UTampa) in Florida provides a sunny, city-centered campus environment ideal for students interested in business, marine science, nursing, and more. UTampa emphasizes personalized education through small class sizes, facilitating strong student-professor interactions.

While you don’t need to submit your test scores to apply, it’s a good idea if you think they reflect your potential. Since UTampa recommends ACT scores above 25, your 25 ACT score puts you in a safe spot.

Should You Retake the ACT?

It really depends on you and your goals! If you’re aiming for super competitive schools or feel like your 25 ACT score doesn’t quite show off what you’re capable of, you could definitely consider retaking the ACT. But before you dive back into test prep, remember this: most students only improve by a couple of points with a second try.

Since a 25 ACT score is already a good score, you might actually get more value by focusing your energy elsewhere. Boosting your GPA, strengthening your extracurricular activities, writing standout essays, and securing strong recommendation letters can all make a huge difference.

Plus, with so many colleges now going test-optional, you might not even need to send your ACT score if you don’t want to. Be sure to check each school’s latest admission policies before making a decision.

At the end of the day, whether or not you retake the ACT comes down to your personal college list and what you want out of the process. It’s always a good idea to chat with your guidance counselor, a college admissions rep, or a test prep expert to help you figure out your best next step!

How to Improve Your ACT Score

25 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. Pinpoint your weakest areas.

Start by taking a full-length practice test to see where you’re losing the most points. Maybe it’s geometry in Math, data interpretation in Science, or main idea questions in Reading. Once you know your weakest sections and question types, you can zero in on them during your study sessions instead of spreading yourself too thin.

2. Set a target score that matches your goals.

Your goal should fit where you want to apply. If you’re aiming for super competitive schools, you’ll probably want to push your score closer to 30 or above. But if you’re planning to attend a solid state university or regional college, a score just a few points higher than 25 might already put you right where you need to be.

Check the average ACT scores for your target schools so you can set a realistic, motivating goal.

3. Stick to official ACT prep materials.

There are tons of resources out there, but the official ACT prep guides and practice tests are your best bet. They’ll help you get familiar with the actual format and types of questions you’ll see on test day—no surprises!

The ACT is made up of four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing (essay) section. The test takes just under 3 hours without the essay, or about 3 hours and 35 minutes with it.

You’ll start with English (75 questions in 45 minutes), which focuses on grammar, punctuation, and writing style. Next is Math (60 questions in 60 minutes), covering algebra, geometry, and a bit of trigonometry—with a calculator allowed. Reading and Science are shorter (40 questions each in 35 minutes), testing your ability to quickly understand passages and interpret data and experiments.

The optional essay adds 40 minutes and asks you to take a position on an issue and support it with clear reasoning. While some schools require it, many don’t—so check before signing up.

4. Think about working with a tutor.

If you feel stuck or want a more customized plan, an ACT tutor could be a game-changer. They know the test inside and out and can help you create a study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, having someone to coach and encourage you can make a big difference when you’re trying to bump your score up a few points.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentile is a 25 on the ACT?

A 25 ACT score puts you in the 83rd percentile, which means you got a higher score than 83% of test-takers. That translates to an above-average performance, making you a competitive applicant for many good colleges and universities.

2. How hard is it to get a 25 on the ACT?

Getting a 25 on the ACT can be challenging, but totally doable with the right preparation. It means you must score well across all four sections of the test: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Consider working with a tutor if you need extra guidance and support.

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 25—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 25 is a solid ACT score! You’re above the national average, which already puts you in a strong position for many colleges across the country. Of course, whether it’s “good enough” really comes down to your personal goals and the schools on your list.
• Some of the best schools you can apply with your 25 ACT score include: Arizona State University, University of Kentucky, and University of Idaho.
• If you’re aiming for super competitive schools, you might consider retaking the test, but don’t stress too much. Many colleges are test-optional now, and admissions teams care just as much (if not more!) about your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and who you are beyond the numbers.
• 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.