Is 19 a Good ACT Score?
Not quite. A 19 is just below the national average.
The national average ACT score in 2024 was 19.4. So a 19 puts you right at the edge of average. You scored higher than about 42 out of every 100 students who took the ACT.
The good news? A 19 still opens doors at many colleges. And with a small improvement, your options grow fast. Keep reading to see exactly where you stand.
The good news? A 19 still opens doors at many colleges. And with a small improvement, your options grow fast. Keep reading to see exactly where you stand.
CURRENT PERCENTILE
42nd
NEXT TARGET
71st
Want to know what is holding your ACT score back?
Take a free practice test on ScoreSmart. Get your score instantly and see a full breakdown of where you are losing points.
What Does the 42nd Percentile Mean?
A percentile tells you how you rank against everyone else who took the ACT.
If your score is in the 42nd percentile, it means you scored higher than 42 out of every 100 students. But 58 students scored higher than you.
If your score is in the 42nd percentile, it means you scored higher than 42 out of every 100 students. But 58 students scored higher than you.
ACT Score Percentile Table
The national average ACT score is
19.4
A 19 is just below the national average.
ACT Score
Percentile
What It Means
36
99th+
Perfect score. Top 1%
30
93rd
Excellent. Very competitive.
24
74th
Strong. Good for most schools.
21
57th
Above average.
20
59th
Above average.
19.4
53rd
National average (2024)
19
42nd
Just below average (This page)
17
26th
Below average.
What Colleges Can You Get Into With a 19 ACT Score?
A 19 qualifies you at many colleges, especially schools with open or rolling admissions. Here is a simple breakdown:
Schools Where 19 is Competitive
School
Location
Average ACT
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX
18-23
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
20-25
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
18-24
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
18-23
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA
17-22
Schools Where 19 is Too Low
Most mid-size and large state universities expect a 21 or higher. Ivy League and top schools expect 33 or above. A 19 would be a significant weakness at these schools. The honest truth: a 19 limits your options. But if you improve to a 21 or 22, the number of schools you can apply to jumps significantly.
Is 90 ACT Score Good Enough for Scholarships?
It is unlikely. Most merit scholarships require a 21 or higher. A 19 puts you below the threshold for most aid based on test scores.
Scholarship Type
Score Needed
20 Qualifies?
Most college merit scholarships
24+
No
Some open-admission school grants
18+
Yes
Non-test scholarships (GPA, essays)
33+
Yes
Non-test scholarships (GPA, essays)
N/A
Yes
If scholarships matter to you, retaking the ACT is worth it. Even a jump to 21 opens up more merit aid options.
Should You Retake the ACT With a 19 ACT Score?
For most students, yes. Here is a simple way to decide:
You probably do not need to retake if:
-
Your target schools expect a 21 or higher
-
You want to qualify for merit scholarships
-
Your practice tests show you can score higher
-
You have time to prepare before the next test date
You should consider retaking if:
-
Your target schools have average ACT scores of 19 or below
-
You are applying to test-optional schools and have a strong GPA
-
You are close to application deadlines
ScoreSmart shows you exactly where you are losing points.
Good news: improving from a 19 is easier than improving from a 30. The biggest gains come from fixing specific weak areas.
How to Improve From a 1100?
- Find your weakest section
-
Focus on question types, not topics
- Practice full-length tests
-
4 Track your time
Frequently Asked Questions
A 19 is just below the national average of 19.4. It puts you in the 42nd percentile. It qualifies you at some colleges but limits your options at most four-year universities.
A 19 is the 42nd percentile based on ACT 2024 national data. You scored higher than 42% of all students who took the ACT.
Many community colleges and some four-year schools with open admissions accept a 19. Most mid-size state universities expect 21 or higher.
Yes, for most students. A jump to 21 or 22 opens up significantly more colleges and scholarship options. It is achievable with 4 to 6 weeks of focused prep.
No, not for most college goals. The national average is 19.4. A 19 is below average and limits your options at competitive schools.
