Colleges Accepting a 33 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 33. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
A 33 ACT score is a big deal. It puts you in the 98th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 98% of test-takers.
This page helps you use that score the way it was meant to be used: to build a strong, filtered college list and make smart choices about scholarships and retakes.
Need the basics first? Read our ACT overview.
Is a 33 ACT score good?
Yes. A 33 is an elite score and competitive at a wide range of selective colleges and universities.
A score this high can also help with:
- Merit scholarships at many schools
- Honors college consideration at some public universities
- Standing out when a school is not test-optional for your applicant group or program
Quick note: your ACT score is one part of your application. GPA, course rigor, activities, essays, and recommendations still matter.
What percentile is a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT composite score is the 98th percentile nationally.
That percentile is based on ACT-tested high school graduates and is reported in the ACT's national rank tables.
What colleges can you get into with a 33 ACT score?
With a 33, your score is competitive for many selective schools, including many top public universities and private colleges. See the list of schools below, and then click the button to learn your chances of admission.
Should you retake the ACT with a 33?
Most students do not need to retake a 33.
Retaking might make sense if:
- Your dream school’s typical admitted range is higher, and you want every possible edge
- You know exactly what you would change in prep (not just “I’ll try harder”)
- Your section scores are uneven, and you can raise one area fast
Retaking usually is not worth it if:
- You would trade time away from grades, activities, or essays
- You are already deep into application season, and timelines are tight
- You feel burned out, and your practice tests are not trending higher
If you are deciding, look at your target schools’ middle 50% score ranges and compare them. If your 33 is already in range, your energy is often better spent polishing the rest of your application.
33 ACT to SAT equivalent
A 33 ACT is roughly equal to a 1460 SAT, with an SAT range of 1450 to 1480.
This is not a perfect one-to-one comparison, but it helps you translate scores when comparing schools, scholarships, or test strategies.
Scholarships for a 33 ACT score
A 33 can boost your chances for merit scholarships, especially at schools that award aid based on academic strength.
Ways to stack scholarship options:
- College merit scholarships: Awards directly from the schools you apply to
- State and regional scholarships: Sometimes tied to residency or programs
- Major-based scholarships: Engineering, business, nursing, arts, and more
- Community scholarships: Local nonprofits, employers, foundations
- Identity and experience scholarships: First-generation, leadership, service, and other criteria
Pro move: filter scholarships the same way you filter colleges. Aim for “high fit” opportunities where you meet the requirements cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 33 a good ACT score?
Yes. A 33 is a top score and lands in the 98th percentile nationally.
What percentile is a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT composite score is the 98th percentile.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 33 ACT score?
A 33 ACT is about a 1460 SAT, with a range of 1450 to 1480.
Should I retake the ACT if I got a 33?
Usually, no. Consider a retake only if your target schools typically admit students with higher scores and you have time to prep without sacrificing grades and applications.
What scholarships can I get with a 33 ACT score?
A 33 can improve eligibility for many merit scholarships. The best matches depend on the colleges you apply to, your GPA, and your major.
