Is 29 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So you got a 29 on the ACT. You might be wondering how it compares to other scores and whether it’s good enough to get into college. The truth is, while a 29 is a solid score, it ultimately depends on your personal goals and which schools you’re applying to.

In this guide, we’ll break down how a 29 compares to other ACT scores, what it means for admissions, and how to make the most of it. Plus, we’ll share a list of schools where you can get in and whether a retake of the ACT is worth it.

• How Good Is a 29 ACT Score?
• 29 ACT to SAT Equivalent
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 29 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 29 ACT Score?

A 29 ACT score is pretty good! It places you in the 93rd percentile, meaning you outperformed 93% of students who took the test. When you compare it to the 19.5 national average, a 29 is over ten points higher, so you’re well above average.

Admissions officers generally view a 29 as a respectable score that reflects strong academic ability. It makes you a competitive candidate at most public universities and private colleges, though it may fall slightly below the range for highly selective institutions like the Ivies.

For these schools, you’ll need a 33 or higher to be considered competitive and within the average ACT ranges for admitted students. Here’s a quick overview of the typical ACT score ranges across the eight Ivy League schools:

If you’re aiming for these elite colleges where the middle 50% of admitted students score between 33 and 35, it might be worth giving the ACT another shot.

However, if your target schools have average ACT scores in the high 20s, you’re already in a good spot! Focusing on other parts of your application, like your GPA or supplemental essays, might be a better move.

29 ACT percentile

Colleges use percentile rankings to measure how you performed compared to other applicants. Your raw score alone doesn’t say much, but when stacked against 1.4 million other students who took the exam, you can clearly see where you stand.

A 29 ACT score puts you in the 93rd percentile, landing you in the top 7% of test-takers. That’s quite a feat! This means you performed fairly well across all four sections of the test: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and your total composite score is the average of these four sections.

Meanwhile, your STEM score is the average of your Science and Math scores, which can strengthen your application for colleges, majors, or programs with a STEM focus. Here’s how to interpret your 29 ACT score in terms of overall and subject rankings:

These percentile rankings show how well you did compared to other high school students who took the ACT over the past three years. For example, a composite score of 29 means you’re in the 93rd percentile, outperforming 93% of test-takers nationwide.

On the other hand, a 29 in the English section ranks in the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher in English than 91% of those who answered that specific section.

Overall, a 29 on the ACT is a solid score that can get you into a lot of great schools. It shows you’ve got strong reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, all of which are important for handling the academic rigors of college.

29 ACT to SAT Equivalent

Now that you have your ACT score, you might be curious how it compares to other standardized tests like the SAT.

A 29 ACT score roughly converts to a 1340 on the SAT. Both scores are well above average and open doors to many excellent colleges and universities.

However, these scores don’t guarantee your performance on either test. The best way to figure that out is by taking full-length practice tests. Compare both test scores to see which test fits your strengths and learning style better, and then decide if you should stick with your current test or give the other one a shot.

For instance, ACT questions tend to be more straightforward, but you’ll have to answer over 200 of them, so you’ll need to work quickly under pressure. On the other hand, the SAT gives you more time per question, but the questions are more focused on logical reasoning, which is why that extra time is useful.

While the ACT and SAT have a lot in common, there are some differences to consider when deciding which test to take. Knowing how ACT scores compare to the SAT can help you make the wisest choice.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 29 ACT Score

A 29 ACT score positions you well for admission to many good schools, including:

1. Michigan State University

Acceptance rate: 84%

ACT range: 24-30

Michigan State University (MSU) is a land-grant university with over 400 programs in fields like business, psychology, engineering, and health sciences. Its supply chain management program is ranked the #1 undergrad program in the country, so if that’s your interest, MSU could be the perfect fit. Located in East Lansing, its 5,200-acre campus is one of the largest and greenest in the nation.

With an 84% acceptance rate, MSU welcomes many students, and with a 29 ACT score, you’re pretty much a front-runner. On top of that, MSU is one of the most affordable colleges in Michigan, making it an easy choice for both your bank account and your grades.

2. University of Cincinnati

Acceptance rate: 88%

ACT range: 24-29

If you want to attend a college with a co-op program, then consider the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. UC’s co-op program, which is ranked #5 in the nation, lets you alternate academic semesters with semesters spent working full-time in your chosen field, like engineering and applied science.

UC is also a top industrial design school, home to the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). Through the co-op program, you can work full-time for companies like Procter & Gamble, earn money, and gain valuable professional experience before graduating. Sounds incredible, right? With a 29 ACT score, you’re almost guaranteed a spot here.

3. George Mason University

Acceptance rate: 89%

ACT range: 25-30

As Virginia’s largest public research university, George Mason University offers a unique college experience you won’t find anywhere else. With over 200 top-ranked degrees, including forensic science, economics, and public policy, along with plenty of minors and certificate programs, you can tailor your education to fit your career and personal goals.

George Mason is also a leader in supporting community college transfers and veterans, making it a welcoming space for diverse students. Since the pandemic, they’ve mastered mixing online and in-person learning, so you get the best of both worlds. And with it being one of the cheapest colleges in Virginia, you’ll definitely get great value for your education without breaking the bank.

4. University of Utah

Acceptance rate: 87%

ACT range: 22-29

The University of Utah, or “the U,” is the flagship university of the state and a central hub for higher education in the region. It offers programs in many fields, with its most popular majors being computer science, entrepreneurship, communication, and fine arts. The U is also one of the easiest dental schools to get into if you plan on pursuing a career in dentistry.

Located in picturesque Salt Lake City, the university offers inspiring views of Salt Lake Valley. It boasts plenty of nearby hiking and biking trails, which could be a priority if you live an active lifestyle. Another important thing to note is that The U is a dry campus, meaning alcohol is off-limits on campus property, regardless of age.

5. Quinnipiac University

Acceptance rate: 77%

ACT range: 24-29

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational university in Hamden, Connecticut. It offers degree, certificate, and badge programs, along with dual-degree options that let you combine your undergrad and graduate studies. Its most popular majors are mainly in the health sciences, but their business/communications school also has a great reputation.

Quinnipiac consistently ranks as the top university in the U.S. for job placement, with an employment rate of 96.1% ten years after graduation. That’s why it receives thousands of applications every year. But, with a 29 ACT score, you’re highly qualified for admission. It also considers demonstrated interest in their admissions process, so showing enthusiasm can give you an edge if you decide to apply.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Deciding whether to retake the ACT depends on your personal goals. If you’re targeting super competitive schools where the average score is higher than 29, it might be worth another shot. With some focused prep, you can realistically improve your score by one or two points.

Just remember that even a 30 or 31 ACT score might not cut it for the most elite schools like Stanford, MIT, or the Ivies. You might be better off focusing on other parts of your application or assessing whether the SAT could better fit your abilities or test-taking style.

That said, test scores aren’t the only factor that colleges consider. There’s also your extracurriculars, personal statement, and recommendation letters, all of which can also make a huge difference.

More and more schools are also test-optional now, so you might not even need to submit test scores. Make sure to check your target colleges’ latest guidelines to decide whether retaking the test is worthwhile.

At the end of the day, your decision depends on your own academic and personal goals. If you need help making the right decision, you could always ask your guidance counselor, college reps, or a test prep expert for advice.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

So, you’ve decided to retake the test. Below are some tips to help you raise your score and feel confident and ready on test day.

1. Master time management.

When prepping for the ACT, try taking it under timed conditions so you get used to the pressure on test day. Time limits can really affect your score, so the more comfortable you are with the timing, the better you’ll do.

One good trick for managing your time is to know how long you can spend on each question. Some sections are more time-pressured than others. For example, you’ll get about 36 seconds per question in the English section but closer to a minute for each question in Math.

2. Use quality study materials.

An easy way to prepare for the ACT is to take full-length practice tests and review study guides. But make sure the resources you’re using are reliable and reflect what the test will actually be like.

The Official ACT Prep Guide is packed with helpful review sections and official practice tests, which can help you familiarize yourself with the test format. You can also check out the ACT website for free resources, including practice questions and tests, to help you feel more prepared.

3. Try to keep a relaxed mindset.

Easier said than done, right? But seriously, it helps. In the days leading up to the test, challenge those negative thoughts. Yes, the ACT is your chance to show colleges your skills, but it’s not the only thing they’ll consider when making a decision. Or, if you’re imagining the worst-case scenario, ask yourself how likely it really is.

College applications can be stressful, but if you’ve put in the effort, trust that it’ll pay off and show in your results.

4. Get help from a tutor.

Sometimes, you just need a little extra help. A good tutor can break down tricky topics, help you refine your answering strategies, and teach you how to manage your time better. They’ll keep you motivated and accountable, making sure you stick to your study plan and focus on even the smallest details to boost your score.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a 29 ACT in the SAT?

A 29 ACT score is roughly equivalent to a 1340 on the SAT. Both are above-average scores, making you a strong candidate for many colleges. However, how competitive they are ultimately depends on your target schools.

2. How hard is it to get a 29 on the ACT?

Getting a 29 on the ACT is challenging but achievable with the right study habits. Focus on understanding all four subjects, hone your time-management skills, and consistently review your mistakes to keep improving.

3. What is a perfect ACT score?

A perfect ACT score is 36, which is the highest you can achieve on the test. On average, fewer than 1% of students earn a perfect score each year.

Takeaways

• A 29 ACT score is in the 93rd percentile, which means you scored better than 93% of test-takers nationwide.
• A 29 ACT is roughly equivalent to a 1340 on the SAT, which is considered a solid score when applying to most colleges.
• Your 29 ACT score puts you in a good position for admission to schools like Michigan State University, the University of Utah, and Quinnipiac University.
• Retaking the ACT could be worth it if you’re aiming for more competitive schools, but you can also focus on improving other areas of your application like your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.
• Explore AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program for expert ACT guidance and personalized support to boost your college applications.