Decoding Minnesota ACT Scores: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. Many colleges and universities consider ACT scores as part of their admissions process, alongside factors like GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Understanding ACT score statistics, especially within a specific state like Minnesota, can be valuable for students preparing for college.

Understanding ACT Scores

The ACT consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these four section scores. The maximum possible composite score is 36.

The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science.

National ACT Score Averages

On the national level, the average ACT composite score lies between 19 and 20.

Minnesota ACT Score Statistics

Average Scores and Participation Rates

When examining ACT scores by state, it's important to consider both the average composite score and the percentage of graduates taking the ACT. A higher participation rate can sometimes lead to a lower average score, as a more diverse range of students, including those who may not be as academically prepared, take the test.

Read also: University of Minnesota Data

According to data from 2018 and 2023, Minnesota's ACT scores and participation rates have shown some interesting trends:

2018: Minnesota had an average composite score of 21.3, with 99% of graduates taking the ACT.
2023: The average composite score decreased to 20.8, while the participation rate remained high at 99%.

Table 226.60 provides a detailed breakdown of average ACT scores and percentage of graduates taking the ACT by state for 2018 and 2023. This table includes subject-area scores for English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, offering a comprehensive view of student performance.

Factors Influencing Minnesota's ACT Scores

Several factors can contribute to Minnesota's ACT score statistics:

High Participation Rate: Minnesota has consistently had a high percentage of graduates taking the ACT, which can influence the average score.
Educational Policies: State-level educational policies and funding can impact student preparedness and performance on standardized tests.
Demographic Factors: The demographic makeup of Minnesota's student population can also play a role in ACT score trends.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMTC) ACT Scores

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMTC) is known for its strong academic standards and competitive admissions process. The average composite ACT score for admitted students at UMTC falls around 29, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 19.5.

The average ACT English score at UMTC falls at 28, with the 25th percentile at 25 and the 75th percentile at 33.
The average ACT Math score at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 25 and 31, respectively. Therefore, an ACT Math score of 28 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at UMTC.

For freshman applicants through the fall 2027 term, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will maintain a test-optional policy. This means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission. Among students admitted to UMTC, 34% submitted ACT scores. Meanwhile, 8% of admits submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 58% did not submit standardized test scores.

Read also: Guide to UMN Merit Scholarships

Interpreting Your ACT Score

What is a Good ACT Score?

A "good" ACT score depends on your individual goals and the colleges you are interested in attending. Different colleges have varying average ACT score ranges. While some universities may look for students with scores in the 30s, others may consider scores in the mid-20s as competitive.

A good ACT score for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities would fall within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students. This means aiming for a composite score around 29. Further, the upper quartile for students admitted to UMTC exceeds a 31 composite score.

Understanding Percentiles

Percentiles indicate how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, if you score in the 75th percentile, you performed better than 75% of the students who took the ACT.

The Importance of College Readiness Benchmarks

The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are scores on the ACT subject-area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50% chance of obtaining a B or better or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or better in corresponding entry-level college courses. Meeting these benchmarks can be a good indicator of your preparedness for college-level coursework.

Improving Your ACT Score

There are a number of ways to approach improving your ACT score. Here are some strategies:

Read also: UMN Cost of Attendance

Targeted Preparation: Identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking practice tests and focusing on areas where you need improvement.
Content Review: Review the content covered on the ACT, including English grammar, math concepts, reading comprehension strategies, and scientific reasoning skills.
Test-Taking Strategies: Learn effective test-taking strategies, such as time management, process of elimination, and how to approach different types of questions.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your ACT score. Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing environment.
Consider a Prep Course or Tutor: If you need additional support, consider enrolling in an ACT prep course or working with a private tutor.

The Test-Optional Policy

Deciding whether to submit ACT scores is a personal decision. High ACT scores can strengthen your application, but choosing not to submit scores will not disadvantage you. If you have taken the ACT and believe your scores reflect your academic potential, it is beneficial to include them in your application. If you feel that your scores are not reflective of your abilities, it might be better to rely on other strengths in your application, such as coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements.

Holistic Review

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities evaluates applications holistically, considering academic and context factors beyond standardized test scores. Admission decisions are based on an individual, overall assessment of each application. Applicants are first considered for admission to the colleges listed in their application, in the order in which they are listed.

Overall, the middle 50 percent of students admitted for Fall 2025:

Had a high school rank percentile between 74 and 95
Had an unweighted calculated high school grade point average between 3.50 - 3.95
Scored between 27 and 33 on the ACT
Scored between 1350 and 1490 on the SAT

ACT vs. SAT

While the University of Minnesota Twin Cities no longer requires SAT scores for admission, submitting a high score can enhance your application. Ultimately, the decision to submit SAT scores should be based on your personal strengths and academic goals.

The ACT is far more popular among applicants than the SAT, with more than four times as many students choosing to submit the ACT over the SAT.

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