Colleges Accepting an 18 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 18. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
Need the basics first? Read our ACT overview.
Is an 18 ACT Score (38th Percentile) Good?
An ACT score can do two helpful things in the college process: widen the number of schools where your score is a strong fit and make you more competitive at the schools you’re already considering. Since the national average ACT score is around 21, that’s a common reference point for many students.
A score of 18 can absolutely work for college admissions, and there are plenty of colleges that admit students in this range. That said, an 18 may limit your options at schools where admitted students typically score in the 20s, and it may reduce access to some merit scholarships that use test scores as a cutoff.
Percentiles are another way to understand your result. A score of 18 is often reported around the 38th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 38% of test takers and lower than about 62%. Percentiles can shift slightly from year to year, so for admissions planning, the most useful comparison is still your 18 versus each college’s typical ACT range. If 18 falls within a school’s middle range, you’re in the mix there. If it’s below, your GPA, course rigor, and the rest of your application will matter more.
If you have time and think you can improve, retaking the ACT with a goal around 21 can be a practical move. A few points can open up more match schools and may increase scholarship opportunities. If retaking isn’t realistic, you can still build a strong college list by targeting schools where your academic profile fits well and considering test-optional colleges where your grades, coursework, activities, and essay carry more weight.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 18?
It’s not as cut and dry as it is with GPA, even though having exemplary scores in one or the other can drastically change admission options as well as merit aid options. Many colleges and universities will consider an applicant with an ACT score of 18 as long as it’s paired with a GPA that fits their perimeters or an otherwise competitive application.
While we’ve compiled a list of institutions below, it’s important to remember that an ACT score is only one component of the college application.
Should I Retake the ACT with an 18 Score?
Retaking the ACT with an 18 can be a good idea if you have time to prepare, and a higher score would widen your college options or improve scholarship eligibility. The first step is to compare your 18 to the typical ACT range at the colleges on your list. If most of your target schools usually admit students with higher scores, a retake is worth considering. If an 18 is already within range for several schools you like, retaking becomes optional.
To make a retake pay off, study with a plan instead of “more practice.” Start with your score report and look at the section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science. Pick one or two sections to prioritize based on where you can gain points fastest. Then practice the specific question types you miss most, using timed sets so you build speed as well as accuracy. Review wrong answers carefully so you learn the pattern behind the mistake, not just the right choice.
On test day, pacing matters. Don’t let a few hard questions steal time from easier ones. Move on when you’re stuck, and come back if you have time. Since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, always bubble something in. When you’re unsure, eliminate obviously wrong choices first to improve your odds.
If retaking isn’t realistic, you still have strong paths forward. Adjust your college list to include schools where an 18 is within the typical admitted range, and consider test-optional colleges where you can apply without submitting scores. If you go test-optional, the rest of your application matters more, so focus on raising or protecting your GPA, taking solid courses, building activities you can explain clearly, and writing a specific, well-edited personal statement.
18 ACT to SAT Equivalent
An 18 ACT score is equivalent to a score between 940 and 970 on the SAT. There are a few key differences between these standardized tests, so what you score on one may not directly translate to the other, but this is a rough estimate of what you might earn on the SAT.
If you feel like you’re having a difficult time with the ACT test type, it may be worth considering taking a practice SAT and seeing how you score. They have different time-management needs and styles, so you may excel more at one than the other!
Scholarships for an 18 ACT Score
There are plenty of things you can earn scholarships for, including standardized tests and GPA, which is typically referred to as merit scholarships or merit aid. An 18 ACT score likely won’t earn you much merit aid; you’ll likely need a 25 and above for that, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships to apply for, including those based on your life circumstances, passions, and extracurriculars! Be sure to start applying for as many scholarships as possible early and often, using our extensive scholarship database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 18 a good ACT score?
A score of 18 on the ACT doesn’t give you a whole ton of options for college, nor does it make you a competitive applicant at most. To make yourself a prime candidate, you’ll want to earn a score closer to the national average, which is 20.8.
Which colleges can I get into with an 18 on the ACT?
There are a limited number of schools that accept an 18 ACT score; there are still options to consider. On your Target list of institutions, you can include Morgan State University, Tennessee State University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
What percentile is an 18 ACT score?
Earning an 18 on the ACT puts you at the 38th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 38% of all test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of an 18 ACT score?
Earning a score of 18 on the ACT is equivalent to earning a 940 to 970 on the SAT. There are, however, a few differences in these tests, meaning you may score higher on one test than the other.
What scholarships can you get with an 18 ACT score?
When it comes to earning scholarships for your ACT, a score of 18 likely won’t make you eligible for many merit scholarships. There are plenty of other types of scholarships, though, including ones for extracurricular activities, passions, and life circumstances. Hop on over to our extensive scholarship database and begin your search today!
