Colleges Accepting a 19 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 19. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
Is a 19 ACT Score (# Percentile) Good?
When evaluating ACT scores, rather than focusing on the number itself, we want to look at the opportunity provided, i.e., how many colleges you can apply to with that score, and how competitive a candidate it makes you.
A 19 ACT score doesn’t make you a competitive applicant at many colleges, but it does still make you eligible to apply to a handful.
Looking at this from another angle, a 19 SAT score puts you at the 44th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 44% of test takers, which is nothing to turn up your nose at! To become a more competitive candidate, you may want to retake the test to bring your score up to the 50th percentile, which is about 20.8.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 19?
Standardized test scores are just one aspect of a college application. Colleges look at you holistically, including your GPA, extracurriculars, and more, making each student’s college search unique. Looking at just that 19 ACT score, we’ve put together a list of colleges that commonly accept students with an average score of a 19 ACT below.
For a more individualized assessment of colleges you’re interested in, check out our What Are My Chances? tool, or talk to a guidance counselor.
Should I Retake the ACT with a 19 Score?
Retaking the ACT with a 19 can be worth it if you have time to prepare and a higher score would expand your college options or scholarship chances. A few extra points can move you into a stronger score range for more schools, so start by checking how a 19 compares to the typical ACT range at the colleges on your list. If your target schools usually admit students with higher scores, a retake may be a smart move.
The easiest way to improve is to be specific. When you get your score report, look at the section breakdown for English, Math, Reading, and Science, and identify where you lost the most points. Pick one or two sections to prioritize, then focus your studying on the question types you miss most often. Timed practice matters a lot on the ACT, so make sure you’re doing practice sets with a clock and reviewing mistakes afterward.
On test day, use pacing strategies that protect your score. Don’t get stuck on one difficult question—make your best guess, mark it, and move on so you can answer every question you can. The ACT doesn’t penalize wrong answers, so you should always bubble something in. For tougher questions, use the process of elimination to improve your odds.
If retaking isn’t realistic, you still have strong options. Build your college list around schools where a 19 is within the typical range, and consider test-optional colleges where submitting scores isn’t required. At test-optional schools, your GPA, course rigor, activities, and essays carry more weight, so put your effort into strengthening those parts of your application and making sure your list includes a mix of likely, match, and reach schools.
19 ACT to SAT Equivalent
A 19 SAT score is equivalent to earning 980 to 1010 on the SAT. While these standardized test scores don’t necessarily make a complete 1:1 comparison, it’s a rough estimate of what you might earn on the other.
The SAT and ACT have different time-management requirements and test different skills. If the ACT doesn’t seem to be working with your test-taking style, it may be worthwhile to take a practice SAT test and see what sort of score you earn.
Scholarships for a 19 ACT Score
Earning money for your GPA or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), is often referred to as a merit scholarship or merit aid. A 19 ACT score likely won’t earn you any merit aid, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships to apply to, including ones for life circumstances, passions, and extracurriculars. Begin applying today using our extensive scholarship database to build a nest egg that will offset tuition costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 19 a good ACT score?
A 19 ACT score doesn’t make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, aim for a score of 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
Which colleges can I get into with a 19 on the ACT?
While you may not be competitive at a vast majority of colleges, you’re still eligible! Institutions you can include on your Target list include California State University-Fresno, Indiana State University, and Central Washington University.
What percentile is a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score puts you at the 44th percentile, meaning you score higher than 44% of all test takers.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score is equivalent to a 980-1010 on the SAT.
What scholarships can you get with a 19 ACT score?
A 19 ACT score likely won’t earn you many merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships, including ones for passions, extracurriculars, and life circumstances. Start looking for scholarships today!
