A 21 ACT Score is Average. You are in the 60th percentile. While this meets the requirements for most regional colleges, it will be a 'Reach' for selective state flagships.
2026 Expert Guidance: For the 2026 cycle, 'average' is the new 'minimum.' To compensate for a 21, you must demonstrate strong leadership or a high-ranking class position.
Best Colleges for 21 ACT Score
Following is the list of best suited colleges with your 21 ACT Score.
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo | College | State | ACT 25th Percentile | ACT 75th Percentile | Acceptance Rate | Status |
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Lancaster Bible College | Pennsylvania | 21 | 23 | 95.19% | SOLID MATCH |
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Northland College | Wisconsin | 21 | 25 | 71.81% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Vincent College | Pennsylvania | 21 | 25 | 59.1% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | Oklahoma | 21 | 25 | 55.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ursuline College | Ohio | 21 | 25 | 84.01% | SOLID MATCH |
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Huntington University | Indiana | 21 | 25 | 71.15% | SOLID MATCH |
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Indiana University-South Bend | Indiana | 21 | 25 | 85.99% | SOLID MATCH |
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Quincy University | Illinois | 21 | 25 | 49.89% | SOLID MATCH |
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Brigham Young University-Hawaii | Hawaii | 21 | 25 | 37.87% | SOLID MATCH |
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Toccoa Falls College | Georgia | 21 | 25 | 63.81% | SOLID MATCH |
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Regent University | Virginia | 21 | 26 | 41.18% | SOLID MATCH |
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Converse University | South Carolina | 21 | 26 | 64% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver | Pennsylvania | 21 | 26 | 92.2% | SOLID MATCH |
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Marywood University | Pennsylvania | 21 | 26 | 83.71% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Francis University | Pennsylvania | 21 | 26 | 76.89% | SOLID MATCH |
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Western Oregon University | Oregon | 21 | 26 | 98.69% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ramapo College of New Jersey | New Jersey | 21 | 26 | 73.22% | SOLID MATCH |
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Bethany Lutheran College | Minnesota | 21 | 26 | 50.96% | SOLID MATCH |
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Georgetown College | Kentucky | 21 | 26 | 73.88% | SOLID MATCH |
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Georgia College & State University | Georgia | 21 | 26 | 87.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Wisconsin | 21 | 27 | 73.25% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Wisconsin | 21 | 27 | 76.08% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Wisconsin | 21 | 27 | 87.26% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pacific Lutheran University | Washington | 21 | 27 | 80.53% | SOLID MATCH |
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Sweet Briar College | Virginia | 21 | 27 | 71.74% | SOLID MATCH |
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Dallas Baptist University | Texas | 21 | 27 | 91.08% | SOLID MATCH |
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Milligan University | Tennessee | 21 | 27 | 70.27% | SOLID MATCH |
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Augustana University | South Dakota | 21 | 27 | 59.25% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | Pennsylvania | 21 | 27 | 92.03% | SOLID MATCH |
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Seton Hill University | Pennsylvania | 21 | 27 | 75.79% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte | North Carolina | 21 | 27 | 80.21% | SOLID MATCH |
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Appalachian State University | North Carolina | 21 | 27 | 88.64% | SOLID MATCH |
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College of Saint Benedict | Minnesota | 21 | 27 | 91.36% | SOLID MATCH |
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The College of Saint Scholastica | Minnesota | 21 | 27 | 93.78% | SOLID MATCH |
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Central Michigan University | Michigan | 21 | 27 | 91.01% | SOLID MATCH |
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Louisiana Tech University | Louisiana | 21 | 27 | 72.57% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Kansas | Kansas | 21 | 27 | 88.2% | SOLID MATCH |
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Dordt University | Iowa | 21 | 27 | 71.16% | SOLID MATCH |
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Franklin College | Indiana | 21 | 27 | 70.58% | SOLID MATCH |
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Indiana University-Northwest | Indiana | 21 | 27 | 76.7% | SOLID MATCH |
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Spelman College | Georgia | 21 | 27 | 34.09% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Colorado | 21 | 27 | 77.81% | SOLID MATCH |
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John Paul the Great Catholic University | California | 21 | 27 | 79.29% | SOLID MATCH |
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Birmingham-Southern College | Alabama | 21 | 27 | 51.94% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Mobile | Alabama | 21 | 27 | 72.51% | SOLID MATCH |
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Walsh University | Ohio | 21 | 28 | 78.18% | SOLID MATCH |
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SUNY at Fredonia | New York | 21 | 28 | 79.2% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis | Missouri | 21 | 28 | 75.13% | SOLID MATCH |
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Concordia College at Moorhead | Minnesota | 21 | 28 | 63.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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Grand Valley State University | Michigan | 21 | 28 | 94.69% | SOLID MATCH |
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Wayne State University | Michigan | 21 | 28 | 82.03% | SOLID MATCH |
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Centenary College of Louisiana | Louisiana | 21 | 28 | 54.42% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Kentucky | Kentucky | 21 | 28 | 92.38% | SOLID MATCH |
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Iowa State University | Iowa | 21 | 28 | 89.13% | SOLID MATCH |
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Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indiana | 21 | 28 | 81.39% | SOLID MATCH |
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Augustana College | Illinois | 21 | 28 | 67.65% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Illinois Springfield | Illinois | 21 | 28 | 84.37% | SOLID MATCH |
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Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia | 21 | 28 | 83.68% | SOLID MATCH |
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Nova Southeastern University | Florida | 21 | 28 | 72.67% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado | 21 | 28 | 96.57% | SOLID MATCH |
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Western Colorado University | Colorado | 21 | 28 | 97.47% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Arkansas | Arkansas | 21 | 28 | 71.67% | SOLID MATCH |
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Harding University | Arkansas | 21 | 28 | 100% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ouachita Baptist University | Arkansas | 21 | 28 | 68.52% | SOLID MATCH |
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Whitworth University | Washington | 21 | 29 | 86.77% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Missouri-Kansas City | Missouri | 21 | 29 | 74.99% | SOLID MATCH |
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Mississippi State University | Mississippi | 21 | 29 | 76.32% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Mississippi | Mississippi | 21 | 29 | 97.78% | SOLID MATCH |
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Roosevelt University | Illinois | 21 | 29 | 94.27% | SOLID MATCH |
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Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii | 21 | 29 | 84.48% | SOLID MATCH |
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Emory & Henry University | Virginia | 21 | 30 | 96.3% | SOLID MATCH |
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Knox College | Illinois | 21 | 30 | 71.13% | SOLID MATCH |
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John Brown University | Arkansas | 21 | 30 | 67.64% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Arizona | Arizona | 21 | 30 | 85.66% | SOLID MATCH |
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School of Visual Arts | New York | 21 | 31 | 91.32% | SOLID MATCH |
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Shepherd University | West Virginia | 20 | 24 | 95.65% | SOLID MATCH |
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Randolph College | Virginia | 20 | 24 | 94.94% | SOLID MATCH |
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Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minnesota | 20 | 24 | 48.36% | SOLID MATCH |
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Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Florida | 20 | 24 | 21.12% | COMP. MATCH |
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Pacific Union College | California | 20 | 24 | 42.48% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Wisconsin | 20 | 25 | 90.14% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Virginia's College at Wise | Virginia | 20 | 25 | 93.92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Saint Edward's University | Texas | 20 | 25 | 83.69% | SOLID MATCH |
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The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Tennessee | 20 | 25 | 77.02% | SOLID MATCH |
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Fisk University | Tennessee | 20 | 25 | 57.91% | SOLID MATCH |
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East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | 20 | 25 | 92.88% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ashland University | Ohio | 20 | 25 | 80.57% | SOLID MATCH |
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Catawba College | North Carolina | 20 | 25 | 77.7% | SOLID MATCH |
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College of the Ozarks | Missouri | 20 | 25 | 14.87% | COMP. MATCH |
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Aquinas College | Michigan | 20 | 25 | 71.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary | Kentucky | 20 | 25 | 96.89% | SOLID MATCH |
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Midway University | Kentucky | 20 | 25 | 95.18% | SOLID MATCH |
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Indiana University-East | Indiana | 20 | 25 | 71.24% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of St Francis | Illinois | 20 | 25 | 63.93% | SOLID MATCH |
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Florida Gulf Coast University | Florida | 20 | 25 | 76.75% | SOLID MATCH |
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Huntingdon College | Alabama | 20 | 25 | 70.83% | SOLID MATCH |
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West Virginia University | West Virginia | 20 | 26 | 86.26% | SOLID MATCH |
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Lee University | Tennessee | 20 | 26 | 72.19% | SOLID MATCH |
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Dakota State University | South Dakota | 20 | 26 | 97.87% | SOLID MATCH |
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Coastal Carolina University | South Carolina | 20 | 26 | 80.19% | SOLID MATCH |
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Winthrop University | South Carolina | 20 | 26 | 75.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Rhode Island | 20 | 26 | 83.7% | SOLID MATCH |
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Pennsylvania Western University | Pennsylvania | 20 | 26 | 93.65% | SOLID MATCH |
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Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma | 20 | 26 | 70.39% | SOLID MATCH |
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Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Ohio | 20 | 26 | 80.61% | SOLID MATCH |
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Western Carolina University | North Carolina | 20 | 26 | 86.66% | SOLID MATCH |
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Gardner-Webb University | North Carolina | 20 | 26 | 87.02% | SOLID MATCH |
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East Carolina University | North Carolina | 20 | 26 | 90.06% | SOLID MATCH |
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St Catherine University | Minnesota | 20 | 26 | 94.07% | SOLID MATCH |
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Emmaus Bible College | Iowa | 20 | 26 | 97.7% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of Northern Iowa | Iowa | 20 | 26 | 94.4% | SOLID MATCH |
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Indiana University-Southeast | Indiana | 20 | 26 | 83.12% | SOLID MATCH |
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Brigham Young University-Idaho | Illinois | 20 | 26 | 96.95% | SOLID MATCH |
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Aurora University | Illinois | 20 | 26 | 85.14% | SOLID MATCH |
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Illinois | 20 | 26 | 97.21% | SOLID MATCH |
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Florida Atlantic University | Florida | 20 | 26 | 73.44% | SOLID MATCH |
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Florida International University | Florida | 20 | 26 | 58.84% | SOLID MATCH |
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University of North Florida | Florida | 20 | 26 | 62.27% | SOLID MATCH |
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Ripon College | Wisconsin | 20 | 27 | 83.92% | SOLID MATCH |
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Norwich University | Vermont | 20 | 27 | 73.61% | SOLID MATCH |
Your best choices will be the schools and colleges where the average ACT score of the admitted students is 19 to 23. We are also showing you the 25th percentile and 75th percentile ACT Score of the admitted students so that you can have a clear understanding of how many students score what ACT Score. If your 21 ACT Score is higher than 25th percentile, it means your score is better than the quarter of the admitted students, and if it is higher than 75th percentile, then it means your ACT score of 21 is higher than 75% of the students admitted at that school.
Choose a college where your score is near to 75th percentile, this will maximize your chances of admission. You can also apply to other schools as well, but to be on safe side, you must apply to at least 2-3 such schools and colleges.
Data Methodology & Expert Verification
The admission statuses (Elite Reach, Competitive Match, etc.) displayed on this page are calculated using a proprietary 7-tier multivariate logic. Unlike static lists, our algorithm cross-references the student's score of 21 against:
- 2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS): Specifically Section C8 (Standardized Testing) and Section C9 (Percentiles).
- IPEDS Analytics: Latest federal reporting on institutional acceptance rates.
- 2026 Trend Analysis: Adjustments for schools that have recently reinstated mandatory testing (e.g., Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard).
Note: Standardized test scores are one component of a holistic application. For 2026, many institutions place "Very Important" weight on the rigors of your secondary school record and GPA.
FAQ for ACT 21 Score
How does a 21 ACT score compare to the SAT?
A 21 ACT score is roughly equivalent to a 1000 SAT. This is generally considered a low-average score for many universities.
What scholarships are available for a 21 ACT score?
A 21 ACT score may make you eligible for some scholarships at state universities, but top-tier scholarships will likely be out of reach.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 21 ACT score?
Ivy League schools typically require scores above 30, so a 21 would not be competitive for those schools. You may want to look at less competitive options.
Should I retake the ACT to improve my score?
Yes, if you want to apply to Ivy League or selective schools, retaking is advisable. For many other colleges, a 21 is still acceptable.
What is the national average ACT score?
The national average ACT score is 20–21, so a 21 is slightly above average but not enough for top-tier schools.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 21 ACT score if submitted?
Yes, submitting a 21 ACT score will still be considered at test-optional colleges, but you should focus on strengthening other parts of your application.
What GPA is a 21 ACT?
A 21 ACT usually corresponds to a GPA between 2.0 and 2.4, which suggests an average academic standing.
Can I get into NYU with a 21 ACT?
NYU’s average ACT is much higher than 21, so a 21 would not be competitive. Consider retaking or applying to less selective schools.
Is 21 a good ACT score for Harvard?
Harvard’s average ACT is much higher than a 21, so it is not considered competitive. Retaking and aiming for a higher score would improve your chances.
Can I get into MIT with a 21 ACT?
MIT’s average score is 34, so a 21 would not meet their standards. Retaking the test is necessary if you wish to apply to MIT.
Can I get into Princeton with a 21 ACT score?
Princeton expects scores above 30, so a 21 is significantly below their typical range. You may want to retake the test to increase your chances.
What if you improve your ACT score by 2 points (to 23)?
Improving to 23 would make you more competitive for state universities and increase your scholarship opportunities.