Is 33 a Good ACT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you scored a 33 on the ACT, congratulations! That’s an outstanding score. But you might be wondering how good it is. Will it be enough to get into your dream school? Should you retake the test? And how does it compare to the SAT?

This guide will break down everything you need about a 33 ACT score. We’ll discuss what percentile it falls into, which colleges you can enter, whether you should retake the ACT, and how to improve your score.

• • How Good Is a 33 ACT Score?
  • Colleges You Can Get into with a 33 ACT Score
  • Should You Retake the ACT?
  • How to Improve Your ACT Score
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Takeaways

How Good Is a 33 ACT Score?

A 33 ACT score is seriously impressive! You’re in the 98th percentile, meaning you did better than 98% of test-takers. That’s a huge deal and shows you’ve got strong academic skills across all tested areas.

If you’re aiming for top colleges, a 33 makes you highly competitive. While some Ivy League schools tend to have an ACT range of 34 to 36, a 33 still puts you in the running, especially if you have strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays.

Here’s how your 33 stacks up against the middle 50% of admitted students at Ivy League schools:

You’ll notice that a 33 is right in the mix for schools like Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth. Even for colleges where the average admitted score is higher, you’re still within reach, especially if you bring other strengths to your application.

Plus, many schools are now test-optional, meaning you can decide whether submitting your score will help your application. If your 33 enhances your overall profile—which it does—go ahead and send it! Just don’t forget to boost your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays as well.

33 ACT percentile ranking

Your ACT percentile ranking shows how you compare to other students. With a 33, you’re in the 98th percentile, meaning you outperformed most test-takers.

Here’s how your score compares across different sections:

If you’re interested in STEM programs, your 98th percentile Math and Science scores make you a standout. If you’re more into the humanities, your 95th percentile English and Reading scores show you’ve got strong comprehension and critical thinking skills.

33 ACT to SAT equivalent

Wondering how your ACT score compares to the SAT? According to the ACT/SAT Concordance table, a 33 ACT is roughly equal to a 1460 SAT score, which falls within the 1450-1480 range. Some colleges let you submit either ACT or SAT scores, so knowing how they compare can help you decide which one to send.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 33 ACT Score

Scoring a 33 puts you in a strong position for some of the country’s most competitive universities. While admissions at these schools are tough, your score keeps you in the running, especially if you bring other strengths to your application. Here’s a look at some great options:

1. Yale University

Acceptance rate: 3.7% 

ACT range: 33-35

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Yale is ranked #10 globally. The university’s commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education encourages students to explore diverse disciplines before declaring a major, fostering intellectual curiosity and versatility.

Yale’s distinguished alumni network includes influential figures such as former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster, and Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. These notable graduates exemplify the university’s legacy of cultivating leaders across various fields.

Yale is one of the best places to study if you’re interested in political science, global affairs, or law. The Jackson School of Global Affairs offers top-tier programs for students passionate about international relations, while the political science department has a long history of shaping future leaders. Yale is also home to a world-class English department, making it a great fit for writing, literature, or journalism students.

2. Cornell University

Acceptance rate: 8.4% 

ACT range: 33-35

Cornell offers Ivy League academics a wider range of specialized programs than most peers. The campus is known for its scenic beauty and mix of traditional and modern facilities that support hands-on learning and research opportunities.

If you’re into engineering, hospitality, or agriculture, Cornell is one of the best schools. The College of Engineering is highly ranked and known for innovation in technology and research. The School of Hotel Administration is the best hospitality program in the world, perfect for students interested in business, event planning, or tourism.

If sustainability and life sciences are your passion, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers cutting-edge environmental science and food technology programs.

3. Duke University

Acceptance rate: 5.1% 

ACT range: 33-35

Duke combines academic prestige, athletic excellence, and social life perfectly. Duke shines in pre-med, public policy, and computer science. The Biomedical Engineering program is among the best in the country, making it a great choice if you’re interested in healthcare technology or medical research.

The Department of Computer Science is a standout option for students looking to dive into AI, cybersecurity, or software development, with strong connections to research labs and startups.

4. Northwestern University

Acceptance rate: 7.6% 

ACT range: 33-35

Northwestern’s quarter system allows students to take more classes than they would at a semester-based school, making it easier to double major or explore different subjects. The university has strong connections to major industries, providing excellent internship and networking opportunities.

Northwestern is particularly strong in journalism, business, and theater. The Medill School of Journalism is one of the best in the world, producing top journalists and media professionals. The Kellogg School of Management provides top-tier business education, even at the undergraduate level.

And if you’re into the arts, the School of Communication has a highly regarded theater program with connections to Broadway and Hollywood.

5. Dartmouth College

Acceptance rate: 5.3% 

ACT range: 32-35

Dartmouth offers a unique approach to academics with its D-Plan, a quarter-based system that allows students to customize their schedule for internships, research, or study-abroad opportunities. Dartmouth is a fantastic choice if you’re passionate about economics, environmental science, or government.

The Tuck School of Business provides great resources for students interested in finance and entrepreneurship. The Department of Environmental Studies is one of the best in the country, perfect for students interested in sustainability and conservation. If you’re thinking about law or politics, Dartmouth’s Government program offers incredible opportunities for research and networking.

Should You Retake the ACT?

So, should you take the ACT again? It depends on your goals.

Reasons to retake the ACT

• You’re aiming for Ivy League or top 10 schools where a 34+ makes you more competitive.
• You think you can improve by 1-3 points with more preparation.
• Your section scores are unbalanced (e.g., a high Math score but a lower English score).

Reasons not to retake the ACT

• Your target schools accept a 33 as competitive.
• Your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays are strong.
• You’d rather focus on other application parts (like improving your essays or activities).

If you decide to retake the ACT, have a solid study plan to improve your weak areas.

How to Improve Your ACT Score

Thinking about retaking the ACT? You’ve already nailed an awesome score, but if you’re aiming for an extra point or two, here’s how you can step up your game without stressing out:

1. Find your weak spots.

Your ACT score is the average of four sections, so you’ll see the biggest score boost if you improve the section that’s currently the lowest.

Check your score breakdown. Did one section trip you up? Maybe math had too many tricky word problems, or reading felt like a race against time. Pinpoint where you struggle so you can focus your energy there.

2. Take real practice tests.

The best way to prepare is by taking official ACT practice tests. They’re the real deal, designed to match the test.

Find a quiet space, set a timer, and take it like it’s test day. When you review your answers, don’t just mark them right or wron;g figure out why you missed the ones you did.

3. Master the clock.

Mastering the clock is essential for the ACT, which moves relentlessly. The English section has 75 questions to be completed in 45 minutes, giving you roughly 36 seconds per question. Math consists of 60 questions in 60 minutes, allowing one minute per question. 

The Reading and Science sections each have 40 questions to tackle in 35 minutes, which means you have about 52 seconds per question.

Time is tight, so if you run out, prioritize answering the easier questions first and return to the harder ones later. Efficient skimming is also key; memorizing every detail of a passage is unnecessary.

4. Focus on smart study, not just more study.

It’s all about studying smarter. Use strategies that match your learning style.

If you’re a visual learner, watch ACT breakdown videos. If you learn by doing, quiz yourself with practice problems. And don’t forget to mix in review sessions instead of just drilling new material repetition helps lock in what you’ve learned.

5. Work with a tutor.

Sometimes, a little extra guidance can make a big difference. A tutor can help you pinpoint your weak spots, teach you test-taking strategies, and keep you on track with a study plan. Whether you aim to boost your score by a couple of points or need more confidence in the test, a tutor can give you that extra edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a 33 ACT score get you into Ivy League schools?

Yes, a 33 ACT score keeps you in the running for Ivy League schools, but it depends on the rest of your application. Schools like Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth admit students with scores in this range, but top-tier universities also consider GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. If your application is strong in other areas, a 33 can still be competitive, especially with outstanding recommendations and leadership experience.

2. Should you retake the ACT if you scored a 33?

It depends on your target schools and how much higher you think you can score. Retaking the ACT could be a good idea if you’re aiming for a school where the middle 50% range is 34-36, especially if you believe you can improve by 1-2 points. But if your score is already competitive for your dream school and your application is strong in other areas, you might be better off focusing on essays and extracurriculars.

3. How does a 33 ACT compare to an SAT score?

A 33 ACT is roughly equivalent to a 1460 on the SAT, a strong score for most competitive colleges. If a school allows you to submit either test, you can decide based on which score best represents your strengths. Some students find one test format easier than the other, so comparing your ACT and SAT practice test results can help you decide which to submit.

4. How can you improve your ACT score from 33 to 34+?

Focus on your weakest section to boost your score since even a small improvement can raise your composite score. Take official ACT practice tests under timed conditions, review your mistakes, and refine your test-taking strategies. Also, work on pacing since managing time effectively, especially in the Reading and Science sections, can make a big difference in your final score.

Takeaways

• A 33 ACT score puts you in the 98th percentile—meaning you scored higher than 98% of test-takers. That’s a huge achievement!
• Schools like Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth accept students with a 33, especially if you have strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays.
• A 33 is already competitive, but if you’re aiming for Ivy League schools or think you can improve, a retake might help.
• Focus on weak areas, take real practice tests, and master time management to gain those extra points.
• Not sure what’s next? A college admissions expert can help you refine your strategy and decide whether to retake the ACT or build on your strengths.