Will Your ACT Test Score Predict Your Future?

Does your ACT test score predict your future - even while you’re still in high school?

We live in an age of ultra-competition. We fight fiercely over grades, scholarships, and spots at top colleges - because there are more competitors than available spots.

In high school, your ACT Test scores are a perfect example of this competition.

There’s an endless pressure to perform - to get higher ACT scores - for better colleges. Because your parents say so. Because the school counselor says so… or because you don’t want to feel “stupid.”

The biggest fear, though, is that you’ll be left behind in life because your ACT score “isn’t high enough” by whatever standard you set.

Is it true? Do your ACT test scores really matter that much?

As professional SAT and ACT test prep tutors, we’ve worked with hundreds of families. We’ve learned certain patterns and long-term outcomes for different types of students, with different ACT test scores.

So, will your ACT test score predict your future? Read on to find out…

A Quick Review of the ACT Test:

Let’s do a super-quick review of the ACT test: what it is, and why it’s important.

The ACT test is a comprehensive test taken near the end of high school. Typically, the ACT test is taken when you’re a Junior and/or Senior in high school.

Most colleges and universities consider your ACT (or SAT) score as a major factor in your college applications. Your ACT scores may also be used for scholarships or financial aid applications.

When you take the ACT test, you’ll be challenged to demonstrate mastery in English, Math, Reading, Science, and Essay Writing. This takes place over the course of about 4 hours of testing.

Your ACT scores will be reported back to you in about three weeks. Sub-scores break down your performance in each area of the test. A “36” is the highest score you can get on the ACT and on any of its subsections.

If you want to know more about interpreting your ACT scores, check out our Complete Guide to ACT Test Scores. That article will teach you everything you could possibly want to know about ACT scores.

ACT Scores Predict Your College and Career Options.

So, what’s the point of higher ACT scores? How does your ACT score predict your future?

Well, let’s start with the obvious: higher ACT scores usually equal “better” college acceptances.

The elite colleges are known for their great professors, world-class facilities, and brilliant student bodies. There’s a reason so many kids would love to go to Harvard, Stanford, or the University of Texas in Austin.

Top-ranked colleges give you the chance to build a valuable network of friends and colleagues that lasts you a lifetime.

When it comes to finding the “cool” jobs after college, these often go to the top college graduates as well. Many of the best companies in the world recruit new employees directly from the campuses of top American universities.

You may also get rare opportunities for valuable internships through your college. These internships will help grant you access to the “cool” jobs that everyone wants at graduation.

So, better ACT scores have a strong effect on your future educational, social, and career opportunities. The predictable outcome of a better ACT test score is a better education, a more powerful personal network, and a better chance at higher income levels and cooler job opportunities.

ACT Scores Predict Your College Scholarships.

ACT scores don’t just affect your college and career options - they also predict the amount of money you’ll pay for higher education.

Students with higher ACT scores can often find great college scholarships and financial aid packages that make paying for the best college educations more affordable.

The results of a better and a less-expensive education can compound powerfully. You may be able to graduate from a better college, with a better network and a better-paying job, and owe less money on your student loans - all because of your higher ACT test scores.

With the cost of college being insanely high these days, every dollar you save can be worth the effort. Study hard in high school, and use your great ACT test scores as leverage to get an incredible value on your higher education.

Again, your ACT test scores can predict your future because of the long-term effect they can have on your future financial situation and college debt.

Earning Higher ACT Scores Develops Good Personal Character.

Last but not least, here’s one of my favorite reasons to shoot for higher ACT test scores: the challenge will help develop your personal character. And, a better personal character predicts a better life overall.

Good ACT test prep takes work ethic, studiousness, and persistence. You’ll need to be self-motivated and driven to reach your personal goals.

It takes great time management skills to find room for ACT prep in the midst of your high school classes and all your sports and activities. The same time management skills you develop for ACT prep will serve you well in college, and for the rest of your life.

Finally, you get a great boost to your self-esteem when you earn a great ACT score for yourself. It feels good to know that you’re smart and hard-working… and it feels great to get into your number-one college.

These are all character traits that I predict will help you for rest of your life. And, these character traits help make the world a better place for everyone!

So, the amount of effort your put into your ACT prep may also subtly predict your future character…

Yes, Your ACT Scores Can Have a Major Long-Term Impact on Your Future!

So, as you can see by my reasoning and experiences above, the answer is YES - your ACT scores can definitely predict your future (at least somewhat!)

High ACT scores will particularly help you succeed on what you might call “the traditional path”: go to college, get a bachelor’s degree, find a good job, and build up a great career.

With better ACT scores, you’ll get a better value on your education. You’ll also gain access to a powerful personal network while in college.

And, the quality of your college education has a massive effect on your opportunities in life and the working world.

You’ll also develop good personal character through studying, time management, and self-discipline for your ACT prep. Your good results will have a positive effect on your overall self-esteem.

For these reasons and others, I think every student would rather have a high ACT score than a low ACT score (if they had the choice).

Do Low ACT Scores Predict You’ll Have a Bad Future?

On the flip side, I’ve got a great deal of positivity and optimism for kids who don’t have the high ACT test scores they’re hoping for.

First of all, not every student needs high ACT scores. For example, if you want to study in a creative field like Music or Dance, your test scores are usually much less important. Instead, colleges will be more interested in your creative portfolio work.

Ditto if you’re an elite athlete. Most colleges and universities have some “wiggle room” for the athletes they recruit. That means your ACT scores might not completely determine your future.

Also, there are many colleges that don’t even consider ACT or SAT test scores for their applications. So, if you have low ACT scores, search for colleges that de-emphasize ACT and SAT test scores.

Furthermore, many phenomenally successful people have done well in life, without having great test scores.

It’s true that good ACT scores help take the “traditional” path of college to career, but there are so many alternatives out there.

You don’t have to build a life that revolves around your ACT test scores. Focus instead on building a life you are proud of.

What Can You Do About Low ACT Test Scores?

So, if you currently have low ACT test scores, are you doomed? Never to get into college, and forced to live an “alternative lifestyle” whether you want to or not?

No, definitely not true! Every high school student has the opportunity to significantly improve their ACT scores through hard work and ACT prep.

Improving your ACT score takes time and effort, but the payoffs are well-worth the investment. You can work at home alone or with an ACT prep tutor. Small-group ACT prep classes can also work well if you’re comfortable in a group setting.

To get you started on your ACT prep at home, here are some links to several of our best comprehensive guides to the ACT test:

Start there, and don’t be afraid to reach out and contact us for personalized ACT prep advice.

So, Does the ACT Test Truly Predict Your Future?

So, to recap - it’s definitely good to get higher ACT scores, but not the only way to live an exciting and successful life.

At best, a great ACT score can predict your future because you’ll go to a top college. There you’ll continue to work hard, build a powerful personal network, and gain access to the coolest and best-paying career options.

But, there are many routes to success that don’t require perfect ACT scores. As long as you work hard and focus on your end goal, you can make all your dreams come true in life!

But, it always takes hard work and persistence, no matter what you do. True success demands personal sacrifice, one way or another.

I hope this article has had a grain of encouragement for every type of student and parent who reads it.

It’s true that ACT testing and college admissions have become more competitive and stressful than ever. But, it’s also true that our connected world offers more opportunity and flexibility than ever before.

There is a perfect path for each student… and top-2% ACT scores aren’t on that path for everyone.

But, no matter what your ACT scores are today, be assured that you can improve - if you choose to commit the time and effort.

In the end, I hope you choose to focus on the big picture: a successful and satisfying life that you can be proud of. If ACT scores are important to your goals, then make them a priority, and study hard!

Study for the ACT Test and Create a Better Future for Yourself!

At Love the SAT Test Prep, want to help you study for the ACT test and bring you a step closer to making your academic goals a reality.

We find and train the best tutors for 1-on-1 ACT Prep Tutoring and ACT Prep Classes in Austin, TX. We also offer 1-on-1 Online ACT Prep Tutoring for students around the world.

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If you have any questions about ACT and SAT prep, please contact us today! Or, leave a comment below the article with your thoughts. Talk to you soon!

Will Your ACT Test Score Predict Your Future?