Is 30 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you’re reading this, then you probably got your ACT test results back and are wondering, is 30 a good ACT score? Is it enough to get into your dream college?

You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down what a 30 ACT score means for college admissions, how you rank compared to other scores, and whether retaking the test is worth it (along with tips if you choose to retake it!).

• How Good Is a 30 ACT Score?
• 30 ACT to SAT Equivalent
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 30 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• Tips to Improve your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 30 ACT Score?

A 30 ACT score ranks in the 94th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 94% of students who took the exam. This is an impressive feat! Your score is more than ten points higher than the national average of 19.5, which is a huge difference.

Admissions offers generally view a 30 ACT score positively, as it displays high academic achievement and opens doors to many prestigious colleges and universities nationwide. However, if you’re aiming for the Ivies and other highly selective colleges, you might try for a slightly higher score.

For these institutions, a 34 or higher is generally considered more competitive and within their average ACT ranges for admitted students. Here’s a quick look at the typical ACT score ranges across the eight Ivy League schools:

You’re in a good position if your score is at or above the middle 50% of these schools. However, since 30 ACT falls below that range, you may want to consider retaking the test—if you’re aiming for these elite institutions.

30 ACT percentile

Your percentile shows how you compare to the 1.4 million ACT test-takers in 2024. It’s sometimes considered a more important measure than your raw score, as it shows where you stand among your peers.

A 30 ACT score places you in the 94th percentile, meaning you performed well across the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections. Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and your overall composite score is the average of those four sections. With a 30 ACT score, here’s how you rank in each area:

These percentiles indicate how well you did compared to other ACT test-takers in the past three years. For example, your 30 ACT score means you’re in the 94th percentile, landing you in the top 6% nationally. Additionally, that same composite score puts you in the 95th percentile in the Math section, meaning you outperformed 95% of high school students in that particular section.

In short, you’ve outdone most students who took the exam. A 30 ACT score boosts your standing with admissions officers, highlighting your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and showing you’re ready for the academic demands of college.

30 ACT to SAT Equivalent

The ACT isn’t the only standardized test used in college admissions. The SAT is a similar exam that measures your readiness for college-level work. So, how does your score stack up against the SAT?

A 30 ACT score roughly translates to 1370 on the SAT. Both are competitive scores that place you in good standing for many colleges and universities. 

However, remember that this doesn’t automatically predict how well you’ll do on either test. The best way to do that is to take a full-length practice test. By comparing your scores, you can determine which test suits your skills and learning style better, helping you decide whether to stick with your current test or try the other one.

For example, the ACT questions are more straightforward, but you’ll have to answer over 200 questions, meaning you’ll need to work quickly under pressure. On the other hand, the SAT gives you a bit more time per question, but the questions require more logical reasoning, which is why the extra time can be helpful.

Although the ACT and SAT have much in common, there are key differences to keep in mind while choosing which test to take. Understanding how ACT scores convert to SAT is important for making an informed choice.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 30 ACT Score

A 30 ACT score places many reputable universities within your reach, such as:

1. University of California, San Diego

Acceptance rate: 26.8%

ACT range: 26-31

UC San Diego is ranked as the No. 3 public university in the U.S. and is known for its high academic standards and competitive admissions process. It offers nationally recognized majors in various fields, such as engineering, business, and biological and biomedical sciences.

Located in beautiful La Jolla, UC San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in California, which makes sense given that its mascot is Triton, the Greek god of the sea. As part of the University of California system, you can apply to these schools, including UCSD, through the same online application portal.

Getting into UC San Diego is tough, with only a 26.8% acceptance rate. However, with a solid 30 ACT score, you’re in a great spot to be accepted, especially if you also have a strong GPA, impressive extracurriculars, and strong letters of recommendation that make you stand out among other applicants.

2. Oregon State University

Acceptance rate: 79%

ACT range: 25-31

Dreaming of a career exploring the wonders of the ocean? Oregon State University is one of the nation’s top schools for marine biology. It offers fantastic academic programs and, with its own Hatfield Marine Science Center, plenty of research opportunities to help you dive into your passion for the sea.

As one of only three universities in the U.S. with Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant designations, OSU offers cutting-edge facilities and has world-class faculty committed to helping students gain hands-on experience in their respective environmental fields.

Oregon State is one of the best universities in the Pacific Northwest, with an inclusive community that promotes a strong sense of Beaver pride. They look for students who go above and beyond the minimum, and with your above-average 30 ACT score, you’re already showing that you have what it takes to succeed there.

3. University of Florida

Acceptance rate: 24%

ACT range: 28-33

Ranked 7th among the top public schools in the U.S., the University of Florida is a popular choice for graduating high school students. It offers hundreds of academic programs, allowing students to explore diverse fields. If you’re considering graduate school, the Warrington College of Business and Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at UF are especially renowned.

What also makes UF a good school is its vibrant campus life. With over 1,000 student organizations, you’ll easily find a home—whether you’re into Greek life, dance, or sports like soccer.

Getting into a top public university like UF isn’t easy—its acceptance rate is just 24%, and it requires either SAT or ACT results. But with your 30 ACT score, you’re in a good spot. Now, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and getting involved in extracurriculars to really make an impression on admissions officers.

4. University of Denver

Acceptance rate: 77.7%

ACT range: 29-33

Are you aspiring for a leadership position in academics or your future professional career? If yes, then consider the University of Denver. DU’s Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP) is a unique academic minor that equips students with the knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in their chosen fields.

With its historic campus in Denver, Colorado, DU is also committed to making a positive impact in communities around the world. That’s why the university offers amazing support for study abroad programs. In fact, over 66% of DU undergraduate students studied abroad in the past year, indicating a return to normal after the pandemic. If you dream of changing the world, DU can help make that a reality.

The university has a test-optional policy, so it’s up to you whether to submit your scores. However, with your 30 ACT and strong academic performance in high school, you’re already in a great position for admission.

5. James Madison University

Acceptance rate: 69%

ACT range: 26-31

As Virginia’s most Instagrammed landmark, James Madison University combines a stunning campus with excellent academics. It’s well-known for its business, health sciences, and education programs. And with its 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get plenty of personal attention from their professors. So, if you’re looking for a more personalized educational experience, JMU is a good bet.

The university also offers a lively campus life, with plenty of extracurriculars, athletics, and other fun social activities. Game days are packed with school spirit and camaraderie, featuring tailgates and passionate support for their team, the Dukes.

Your 30 ACT score makes you a competitive candidate for JMU. They only require one letter of recommendation, so you can focus on writing an amazing personal essay and highlighting your extracurricular involvement.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Whether you should retake the test depends on two things:

1. The schools you’re targeting
2. Their average ACT scores for admitted students

Take some time to research the colleges you’re interested in and see what ACT scores they generally expect. If your score of 30 is at or above the middle 50% of their ACT range, you have a good chance of getting in. But if your score is below that range, you may want to consider retaking the test.

Remember, though, that each university has its own unique admissions criteria. There’s no single “good enough” score for all schools, as standardized test scores are typically just one factor that admissions officers consider. And with many colleges now test-optional, you might not even need to submit your score.

You may want to focus on improving your academic performance, getting more involved in extracurricular activities, or acing your supplemental essay to really craft a balanced application that showcases your strengths and unique personal qualities.

Another option is to see if the SAT better matches your skills or test-taking habits. If you enjoy solving advanced computational problems, the SAT might be a good fit, giving you 67% more time to answer each question.

But if you prefer a faster pace with straightforward questions from your high school curriculum, the ACT could be better since it leaves you with little room for mistakes or second-guessing.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Try implementing these tips into your study prep to improve your score the second time around:

1. Take full-length practice tests.

Working through each test question is only part of the challenge—the real test is finishing under the time limit. Take as many timed practice tests as possible that mimic the actual test conditions, especially in sections you struggle with, to improve your time management skills.

2. Use the right ACT prep materials.

The ACT has its own quirks you’ll need to get used to in order to do well. Consider investing in official ACT prep materials and guides, like The Official ACT Prep Guide and the ACT Test Prep. Both will give you helpful tips and strategies for answering questions more effectively. 

3. Don’t neglect self-care.

You’ve done the work; now it’s time to give it your best shot. Get a full night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast to fuel your brain on test day. Avoid cramming the night before, as there’s nothing new you can learn in one night. Try to relax so you can stay focused and do your best.

4. Work with a tutor.

Connecting with a tutor is recommended, especially if you want personalized instruction. A qualified tutor can answer your questions right away and help you with complex topics and concepts. A good tutor can also adjust their approach depending on your strengths and weaknesses, making your prep time more effective and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average ACT score?

The current national ACT average is 19.5 out of a maximum score of 36. While it’s good to know the average score as a reference point, your test prep should also focus on the colleges and universities you want to apply to.

2. How is the ACT scored?

The ACT is scored from 1 to 36, with your composite score being the average of your scores in English, Math, Reading, and Science. There’s also an optional writing section, which is scored separately.

3. How long is the ACT?

The ACT takes 2 hours and 55 minutes, covering four multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. If you decide to take the optional writing section, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

Takeaways

• A 30 ACT score places you in the 94th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 94% of all test-takers.
• Your 30 ACT score is equivalent to about a 1370 SAT score, which is good enough for many colleges and universities.
• With a score of 30, you can apply to schools like UC San Diego, University of Florida, and James Madison University, where you’re a competitive candidate.
• If your score is below the average for your target schools, you may want to consider retaking the ACT, but focus on other aspects of your application, like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, too.
• Check out AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program for tailored strategies to excel in the ACT and stand out throughout the rigorous college application process.