How Good is a 22 on the ACT?

Scoring a 22 on the ACT is a solid achievement—but how good is it in the big picture? In admissions, the value of a score depends on context. A 22 is above average, but what does it mean for your percentile ranking, college options, scholarships, and whether you should retake the exam?

This guide breaks down the implications of a 22 ACT score. You'll see how it compares nationally, how it stacks up at different types of colleges, where a 22 makes you competitive, what it means for selective schools, how it affects merit aid, and when a retake might make sense.

22 ACT Score: National Percentile and Context

A composite score of 22 places you above the national average, roughly in the 68th percentile. That means you scored higher than about 68% of students who sit for the ACT each year.

While not in the top tier of scorers, a 22 is still a respectable score that demonstrates solid academic preparation. The national average typically falls around 20–21, so a 22 puts you several points above the middle of the pack.

How a 22 ACT Stacks Up to Average Scores

The national average ACT score typically falls around 20–21. That's the middle of the pack.

Compared with that benchmark, a 22 is noticeably higher—about 1-2 points above the national mean. Many counselors view a 22 as comfortably above average, though not in the elite range. It's a score that shows you're prepared for college-level work.

Among college-bound students specifically, a 22 is competitive but not exceptional. Most students aiming for four-year colleges score in the 20s or higher, so a 22 places you in the solid middle of that group.

A 22 ACT in the College Admissions Context

Admissions is relative. A score that's competitive at one school might be below average at a more selective one. Here's how a 22 compares across tiers.

Less selective or many public universities. At institutions where middle 50% ACT ranges sit in the low- to mid-20s, a 22 is competitive. You'll likely be at or above the 50th percentile of admitted students, making you a solid candidate for admission.

Selective colleges (roughly top ~50). Many well-known universities and liberal arts colleges report middle 50% ranges in the high 20s to low 30s. At these schools, a 22 is usually below the 25th percentile. You'll need strong other credentials to be competitive.

Highly selective colleges (top 20 and Ivies). The most competitive institutions typically post middle 50% ACT ranges around 33–35+. A 22 is well below their typical range and would require exceptional other qualifications to be considered.

The takeaway: a 22 is competitive at many colleges, but you'll need strong grades, activities, and essays to stand out at more selective institutions.

Colleges Where a 22 ACT Makes You Competitive

Because context matters, it helps to think in terms of reach, match, and safety categories. Exact ranges vary year to year, but the patterns below hold.

Reach schools. Highly selective universities—Ivies and peers—typically enroll classes with ACTs of 34–35. With a 22, you're well below their typical range. These schools would be significant reaches requiring exceptional other qualifications.

Match (target) schools. Many solid universities and colleges outside the ultra-elite tier list middle 50% ranges in the low- to mid-20s. Here, a 22 commonly lands you near the 50th percentile. Think regional universities, less selective private colleges, and some state flagships. With a 22, you're a realistic candidate.

Safety schools. Where typical ranges sit in the high teens to low 20s, a 22 is above the norm. You're likely to be admitted and may qualify for honors programs. Many well-regarded public universities and less selective privates fall here.

When building a list, focus on schools where a 22 is at or above the 25th percentile of admitted students. Include some reaches, but be realistic about your chances.

Is a 22 ACT High Enough for Top-Tier Schools?

A 22 is generally below the typical ranges at top-tier schools, often well below their 25th percentile. That means students with 22s are rarely admitted, and your score would be viewed as a weakness in your application.

However, "not typical" doesn't mean "impossible." At the elite level, exceptional other qualifications—near-perfect grades, outstanding activities, compelling essays—can sometimes overcome a lower test score. But realistically, a 22 would be a significant hurdle.

Would improving to a 24–26 help? Absolutely. Even a few points can move you into a more competitive range at selective schools. If you're targeting competitive colleges, a retake with focused preparation could significantly improve your chances.

Scholarships and Merit Aid Implications of a 22

A 22 can qualify you for merit aid at many colleges, though the opportunities may be more limited than with higher scores.

Students with scores in the low 20s often qualify for merit packages tied to GPA and test thresholds. With a 22, you'll frequently meet the minimum requirements for automatic awards at many schools, though you may not qualify for the highest tiers. Honors colleges and flagship scholarships often look for 24+ scores, so a 22 might limit your options.

At less selective institutions, a 22 can still open doors to significant merit aid, especially when combined with strong grades. Always check each college's latest scholarship criteria and submission deadlines.

Should You Retake the ACT if You Scored a 22?

Whether to retake comes down to goals, bandwidth, and realistic potential for improvement.

Reasons to consider a retake. If you're aiming at selective schools where a 22 is below their typical range, a retake could be worthwhile. Even improving to a 24–26 could significantly expand your college options and scholarship opportunities. It's also sensible if one section lagged well behind the others.

Reasons not to retake. A 22 already qualifies you for admission at many colleges and some merit aid. If your college list focuses on schools where a 22 is competitive, and you have limited time for test prep, focusing on other parts of your application might be more productive.

Bottom line on retesting. If you have realistic potential to improve and are targeting colleges where a higher score would help, a retake makes sense. Otherwise, submit the 22 with confidence and focus on building a strong overall application.