ACT Accepting Universities & Minimum Required Scores – In US, UK, Canada, Ireland, & More Countries

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Introduction

The ACT is a widely recognized standardized test for college admissions, especially in the United States. It evaluates students’ readiness for college in four areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. There are several ACT accepting universities across the globe, offering multiple options to the students.

In the United States, top schools like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford look for high ACT scores, usually between 32 and 36, due to their high standards. In the UK, prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge accept ACT scores between 29 and 34.

Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto and McGill University, typically require ACT scores between 25 and 29. In Australia and New Zealand, leading institutions like the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney accept ACT scores, with minimum requirements ranging from 24 to 28.

The ACT’s global acceptance makes it a valuable tool for students aiming to study abroad. However, admission requirements vary by university and program, so students should check each institution’s specific criteria.

ACT Accepting Universities in the United States

The ACT exam is primarily for admission into the United States and other countries. Here is a list of some of the top colleges in the US along with their ACT score and minimum requirements.

Name of the University

QS Ranking 2024

ACT Requirements

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

01

34+

Harvard University

04

33+

Stanford University

06

32+

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

10

35+

University of Pennsylvania

11

32+

University of Chicago

21

34+

Princeton University

22

33+

Yale University

23

33+

Columbia University

34

33+

Duke University

61

33+

 

These were some of the top universities in the US accepting ACT scores with their minimum requirements. However, the requirements are subject to change depending on the course.

ACT Accepting Colleges in the United Kingdom

The ACT exam is also widely accepted among the UK’s top universities. Here is the list of the top colleges in UK along with their minimum ACT requirements.

Name of the University

QS Ranking 2024

ACT Requirements

Imperial College London

02

30+

University of Oxford

03

32+

University of Cambridge

05

32+

University College London (UCL)

09

29+

University of Edinburgh

27

28+

University of Manchester

34

28+

King’s College London

40

28+

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

50

29+

University of Bristol

54

28+

University of Warwick

69

28+

 

These were some of the top universities in the UK accepting ACT scores with their minimum requirements. However, the requirements are subject to change depending on the course.

ACT Accepting Universities in Canada

Now, we will have a look at the Canadian universities that accept ACT score for admission into their UG and PG courses, along with the ranking and minimum requirements:

Name of the University

QS Ranking 2024

ACT Requirements

University of Toronto

25

29+

McGill University

29

29+

University of British Columbia (UBC)

38

28+

University of Alberta

96

26+

University of Waterloo

115

26+

Western University  

120

28+

University of Montreal (Université de Montréal)

159

25+

McMaster University

176

28+

University of Ottawa

189

26+

Queen’s University

193

28+

 

These were some of the top universities in Canada accepting ACT scores with their minimum requirements. However, the requirements are subject to change depending on the course.

ACT Accepting Universities in Australia/New Zealand

Let’s now look at the list of universities in Australia & New Zealand that accept ACT scorecard for admission into their courses.

Name of the University

QS Ranking 2024

ACT Requirements

University of Melbourne

13

28+

University of Sydney

18

28+

Australian National University

30

28+

Monash University

37

26+

University of Queensland

40

26+

University of Auckland

65

27+

University of Otago

214

25+

University of Waikato

235

24+

Victoria University of Wellington

244

24+

University of Canterbury

261

24+

 

These minimum scores are approximate ranges based on the middle 50% of admitted students and can vary slightly each year. It’s always best to check the specific requirements on the university’s official admissions page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

FAQ

What ACT do most colleges accept?
Most colleges accept ACT scores ranging from 22 to 30. However, more competitive institutions may require higher scores, usually between 30 and 36, depending on the program and other admission criteria.
Yes, the ACT is accepted by many universities worldwide, including institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries, making it a globally recognized college entrance exam.
A perfect 36 ACT score significantly enhances your chances of admission to Harvard, but it does not guarantee acceptance. Harvard considers various factors, including essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations, in its holistic admissions process.
A 27 ACT score is above the national average and is considered good. It makes you a competitive candidate for many colleges and universities, though more selective institutions may prefer higher scores.
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