Is 32 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you scored a 32 on the ACT, congratulations! That’s an impressive score. But you might be wondering: How good is it? Is it high enough for top colleges? Should you retake the test? And how does it compare to the SAT?

This guide will explain what a 32 ACT score means, the colleges where you’re competitive, whether retaking the test is worth it, and how you can improve your score. You’ll understand how your 32 ACT score fits into your college application.

• How Good Is a 32 ACT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 32 ACT Score
• Should You Retake the ACT?
• How to Improve Your ACT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 32 ACT Score?

A 32 ACT score is an amazing achievement! It puts you in the 97th percentile. Meaning, you scored higher than 97% of the people who took the test. That’s a huge deal and shows you have strong academic skills in all tested areas. With a score like this, you’re already in a great position for many competitive colleges.

If you’re aiming for an Ivy League school, here’s how your 32 compares to the middle 50% of their admitted students:

A 32 is slightly below the average range for most Ivy League schools, but don’t stress too much about that. Admissions officers look at way more than just test scores. They also look at your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

Some schools are even test-optional, so you can decide if submitting your score helps your application. If your leadership, personal achievements, or unique experiences are your strongest assets, make those the highlight of your application!

32 ACT percentile

When colleges see your ACT score, they see how you compare to other students. That’s where percentile rankings come in. With a 32 ACT score, you’re in the 97th percentile, meaning you did better than 97% of test-takers. You’re already near the top since the highest possible score is 36.

Here’s how your 32 compares across different sections:

Breaking it down by section, your Math score ranks in the 98th percentile, while Science is in the 97th, making you a standout for STEM programs. Even if you’re more into the humanities, your 94th percentile English and 93rd percentile Reading scores prove you have strong comprehension and critical thinking skills.

A 32 ACT score makes you highly competitive for many colleges, including top-ranked schools. While Ivy League admissions tend to favor even higher scores, many great universities will be excited to see your 32 on your application.

32 ACT to SAT equivalent

If you’re wondering how your 32 ACT score compares to the SAT, it translates to about 1430. Some colleges let you submit 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 32 ACT Score

Scoring a 32 puts you in a great spot for some of the best universities in the country. Here’s a look at some great options:

1. University of Texas at Austin

Acceptance rate: 28%

ACT range: 29-34

UT Austin is a powerhouse if you’re into business, engineering, or computer science. The McCombs School of Business is ranked among the best in the country, and the Cockrell School of Engineering has some of the most competitive programs nationwide. The campus is massive, with a vibrant culture full of school spirit, and you’ll get the best of both worlds: big-time academics and an exciting social scene.

Being in Austin is a huge bonus. The city is packed with tech companies, startups, and music festivals, giving you plenty of opportunities to network and have fun outside class. If you’re looking for a place to get a top-notch education and enjoy an amazing college experience, UT Austin should be on your list.

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Acceptance rate: 42.4% 

ACT range: 30-34

If tech, business, or engineering is your thing, UIUC has some of the best programs in the country. The Grainger College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools, and its Gies College of Business is a great choice for students looking to break into finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. UIUC also has one of the largest research libraries in the country.

Beyond academics, campus life at UIUC is huge. Greek life, clubs, and Big Ten sports keep things exciting, and there’s always something happening on campus. If you want a school with a strong academic reputation, a solid social scene, and great career opportunities, UIUC is worth considering.

3. Boston University (BU)

Acceptance rate: 11.1%

ACT range: 32-34

BU has strong pre-med, business, and communications programs. The Questrom School of Business is highly respected, and the College of Communication is a great place if you’re into journalism, film, or advertising. BU is also home to a top-ranked international relations program, which is perfect if you’re interested in global affairs.

What makes BU special is its location. You’ll be in the middle of Boston, surrounded by world-class hospitals, businesses, and research institutions. Whether you’re looking for internships, cultural experiences, or just an exciting city to explore, BU delivers. 

4. Wesleyan University

Acceptance rate: 16%

ACT range: 32-34

Wesleyan, a liberal arts school, is known for its strong arts, humanities, and social sciences programs. The Film Studies program is one of the best in the country, and the College of Social Studies offers a unique blend of history, government, economics, and philosophy.

Wesleyan’s culture is creative and open-minded, making it an excellent place for a personalized education. Professors actually get to know you, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do research, study abroad, or work on independent projects. Wesleyan could be the perfect fit if you like the idea of a small but academically powerful college with a vibrant arts and activism scene.

5. Case Western Reserve University

Acceptance rate: 37.8%

ACT range: 32-35

Case Western is a hidden gem if you’re into STEM, medicine, or business. The engineering and pre-med programs are some of the best in the country, and the university is home to one of the nation’s top biomedical research institutions. The Weatherhead School of Management is also a great choice for students looking to get into finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

The campus is in Cleveland’s University Circle, surrounded by museums, hospitals, and cultural institutions. If you’re considering going into healthcare or research, you’ll have many opportunities to intern or shadow professionals. Case Western also strongly focuses on hands-on learning, so you’ll get real-world experience early on in your college career.

Should You Retake the ACT?

Now, you might be thinking about retaking the ACT to bump up your score, but before you do, ask yourself: Will a few extra points change your chances? A 32 is already fantastic, and many colleges look at your whole application, not just your test scores. Your essays, extracurriculars, and GPA greatly influence admissions decisions.

Still, it depends on your goals. Here are a few factors to consider:

Retake the ACT if

• You’re aiming for Ivy League or highly selective universities with a middle ACT range of 34 to 35.
• You didn’t prepare much the first time and feel like you can realistically improve your score.
• Your section scores are unbalanced (for example, a low math score could be improved).

Don’t retake the ACT if

• Your target schools have an ACT range of 28 to 33, meaning a 32 is already competitive.
• You’d rather focus on essays, extracurriculars, and your GPA, which are also major factors in admissions.
• You don’t test well under pressure and don’t think retaking it will lead to a significant improvement.

On average, retaking the ACT results in a 1-2 point increase. It might be worth it if you can hit a 34 or 35.

Otherwise, a 32 is already strong. Instead of stressing over a retake, focus on making the rest of your application stand out.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

If you decide to retake the ACT, here are some strategies to improve your score:

1. Identify your weakest sections.

Your ACT score averages four sections, so if one area is dragging your score down, that’s where you should focus. Look at your score report and determine which section needs improvement most. If math is your lowest, spend extra time reviewing algebra and geometry. If reading feels rushed, practice skimming passages and answering questions faster.

2. Use official ACT practice tests.

The best way to get comfortable with the test is to take full-length official ACT practice tests. These will give you the most accurate feel for the real thing. Try to take them in a quiet space with a timer to simulate test day conditions. After each test, review every mistake to learn from them.

3. Improve your time management.

The ACT is a fast-paced test, so mastering time management is essential to doing well. It includes four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—for a total of 215 questions in just under 3 hours (not including breaks).

That means you have to work quickly and efficiently. The English section gives you 75 questions in 45 minutes, which comes out to about 36 seconds per question. Math allows 60 minutes for 60 questions, so about a minute per question. Both the Reading and Science sections are especially time-pressured, with 40 questions to answer in just 35 minutes—only about 52 seconds per question.

Because of this tight pacing, it’s important to practice answering questions efficiently. If a question is taking too long, don’t get stuck—skip it and come back later if you have time.

Developing a good rhythm during practice tests can help you stay calm and focused on test day. The more you simulate the real timing during your prep, the better you’ll get at pacing yourself and making the most of every minute.

4. Master test-taking strategies.

You don’t need to know every answer. You just need to find the best one. Use strategies like the process of elimination to rule out wrong choices quickly. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move on.

There’s no penalty for guessing! For tricky questions, underline key information and look for context clues to help you decide.

5. Consider ACT prep courses or a tutor.

If studying alone feels overwhelming, an ACT prep course or tutor can help you stay on track. A tutor can give you personalized feedback and target your weak areas, while a prep course can provide structured lessons and strategies. Even a small score boost of 2-3 points can make a big difference in your college applications!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 32 ACT score good enough for top colleges?

Yes, a 32 is an excellent score, putting you in the top 3% of test-takers nationwide. However, for Ivy League schools and other super-selective universities, the middle ACT range is usually 34-35, meaning a 32 is slightly below average. But these colleges look at more than just test scores, so strong grades, essays, and extracurriculars can still make you a competitive applicant.

2. Should you retake the ACT if you scored a 32?

It depends on your target schools and how much higher you think you can score. Retaking might be worth it if you’re aiming for schools where a 34-35 is the norm and believe you can improve. But if your schools accept a 32, you might be better off focusing on essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters instead.

3. What colleges can you get into with a 32 ACT score?

A 32 makes you a strong candidate for many great schools, including UT Austin, Boston University, and Case Western Reserve. While Ivy League schools may be a reach, top public and private universities are still considered 32 highly competitive. Your overall application, including GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, will also play a big role in admissions.

4. How can you improve your ACT score?

Focus on your weakest section by reviewing past mistakes and practicing targeted questions. Take official ACT practice tests under timed conditions to improve pacing and accuracy. Consider an ACT prep course or tutor to sharpen strategies and boost your score if needed.

Takeaways

• A 32 ACT score is really impressive, as you’re in the top 3% of all test-takers.
• You have a strong shot at top colleges, including UT Austin, UIUC, Boston University, Wesleyan, and Case Western, though Ivy League schools typically look for 34-36.
• Retaking the ACT might be worth it if you’re aiming for Ivy League schools or think you can boost your score, but if your target schools accept a 32, you’re already in a great spot.
• If you want to improve your score, focus on your weakest sections, take official practice tests, manage your time better, and consider an ACT prep course or tutor for extra help.
• Need help figuring out your next steps? A college admissions expert can help you maximize your chances, craft a standout application, and decide whether to retake the ACT or focus on strengthening other parts of your profile.