Colleges Accepting a 36 ACT Score
These colleges admit students with an ACT score of 36. Browse the list and then click to see your full chances of admission.
A 36 ACT score is the highest possible composite score. It sits at the 100th percentile nationally, meaning you scored as well as the top test-takers in the country.
This page is here to do the useful part: help you turn a 36 into a filtered list of colleges that fit your goals, your major, and your budget.
Need the basics first? Read our ACT overview.
Is a 36 ACT score good?
Yes. A 36 is the maximum ACT composite score.
A 36 can help you:
- Stay competitive at the most selective colleges
- Strengthen merit scholarship eligibility at schools that award merit based on academics
- Stand out when a school is not test-optional for your applicant group or major
Quick reality check: even with a 36, admissions can still be competitive at highly selective colleges because they consider GPA, course rigor, essays, activities, recommendations, and fit.
What percentile is a 36 ACT score?
A 36 ACT composite is the 100th percentile in ACT’s national ranks tables for recent graduates.
What colleges can you get into with a 36 ACT score?
With a 36, your score is competitive basically everywhere. The better question becomes: which colleges are a good match for you.
Should you retake the ACT with a 36?
No. There’s nothing higher to score.
If you’re thinking about retesting anyway (respectfully… why?), the only practical reasons are logistical, such as needing a more recent official score date for a specific program requirement. That’s rare, but it can happen, so always check each school’s testing policy and deadlines.
36 ACT to SAT equivalent
A 36 ACT corresponds to about a 1590 SAT, with a concordance range of 1570–1600.
This concordance is meant for comparisons, not as a prediction of what you’d score on the other test.
Scholarships for a 36 ACT score
A 36 can strengthen your case for merit scholarships, competitive full-ride programs, and honors opportunities, depending on the college.
Ways to stack scholarship options:
- College merit scholarships: awards directly from colleges (often tied to GPA + test scores)
- Competitive scholarships: full-ride or full-tuition programs with separate applications
- Local scholarships: community foundations, employers, and regional organizations
- Major-based scholarships: engineering, business, nursing, arts, and more
- Service and leadership scholarships: tied to involvement and impact
Best move: use filters to target schools that offer generous merit aid, then apply early to meet scholarship priority deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 36 a good ACT score?
Yes. A 36 is the highest possible ACT composite score and sits at the 100th percentile nationally.
What percentile is a 36 ACT score?
A 36 is the 100th percentile in ACT’s national ranks tables.
What is the SAT equivalent of a 36 ACT score?
A 36 ACT is about a 1590 SAT, with a concordance range of 1570–1600.
Should I retake the ACT if I got a 36?
No. Retesting is almost never necessary once you’ve earned a perfect composite score.
What scholarships can you get with a 36 ACT score?
A 36 can help with merit scholarships and competitive scholarship programs, but eligibility depends on the college, your GPA, and application requirements.
