<span>28 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 28 ACT Score</span>

28 ACT Colleges: Best Schools That Accept a 28 ACT Score

The ACT is a college entrance exam used during the admissions process to measure proficiency in Math, Science, English, and Reading. Taking 2 hours and 55 to complete, the ACT is composed of 215 questions, along with an optional Writing portion, and is graded on a scale of 1 to 36. The national average ACT score is 20.8. 

 

Is a 28 ACT Score (88th Percentile) Good?

A score of 28 places you in approximately the 88th percentile of all high school students. With a 28, you’re an extremely competitive candidate at a majority of schools, as well as able to consider applying to more selective institutions as well. Since one of the purposes of taking the ACT is to generate a large number of college options to choose from, a score of 28 accomplishes this goal.

Looking at this from that percentage angle, an ACT score of 28 puts you at the 88th percentile — that means you scored higher than 88% of all test takers, of which there are nearly 2 million. All that considered, a 28 is definitely a good score! Congratulations! 

 

What Colleges Can I Get Into with an ACT Score of 28?

With an ACT score as high as 28, you’re a competitive candidate at a majority of institutions and we’ve put together a sample list of them below. Be aware that a standardized test score alone is not a guarantee of acceptance, but all of these institutions have a history of admitting students who earn a 28 on the ACT.

 

Should I Retake the ACT with a 28 Score?

There’s no pressure to retake the ACT with a score of 28. The one primary reason a student would retake the ACT at this juncture would be if their ideal school wants a point or two higher. Otherwise, you’re eligible for merit aid and are competitive at a wide variety of schools, so retaking it isn’t necessary.

If you’re a junior and your ACT score is in the 90th percentile for the colleges and universities you’re interested in, concentrate on doing as well as possible in all classes during your remaining time in high school. Devote more study time to any courses that feel especially difficult to ensure that your GPA remains at a good level. Most colleges weigh ACT scores on an equal basis with GPA so it’s important to put in the work and finish high school strong.

Several more selective colleges use an ACT score of 30 as an approximate benchmark for admission, but don’t let that deter you from applying. Just be sure to also apply to Likely and Target colleges, too. If you opt to retake the ACT to improve your odds, you have a good amount of time to do so before college application season. Review the breakdown of your current score, study up on sections that weren’t your best, and consider getting a tutor to help you reach your goal score.

For seniors, concentrate on the rest of your application to ensure that it’s as marketable as an ACT score of 28. Pay particular attention to the personal essay and list of after school activities. Have your college counselor look over your essay and offer suggestions and critique. For more feedback, show it to a trusted teacher or mentor. Furthermore, contact any teachers who’ve impacted your high school career and ask them to write letters of recommendation. Try to ask your favorite teachers since the more personalized the letter gets, the more help it will be in getting into college.

 

28 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 28 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 1310-1340 on the SAT. There are a few key differences between these two tests, so what you score on one may not be what you score on the other, but this is a good tool for comparison. 

 

Scholarships for a 28 ACT Score

Earning a 28 ACT score makes you eligible for merit aid both from your potential institution and from third-party scholarship providers. Start applying for scholarships today — and not only ones for merit, either. 

Find scholarships based on your location, life circumstances, extracurriculars, future major, and so much more on our extensive scholarship database. College comes with a variety of costs outside of tuition and having a nest egg will help offset the extra dollar signs! 

 

View all scholarships

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 28 a good ACT score?

A 28 ACT score makes you eligible to apply at a vast majority of schools as a competitive candidate, making it a good score. It also makes you eligible for a good amount of merit aid, which is definitely good! 

 

What colleges can I get into with a 28 ACT score?

With a 28 ACT score, you’re eligible to apply at more selective institutions as Target schools, including Pennsylvania State University, Texas A&M University-College Station, and Purdue University. Check out all of your options and make sure the rest of your college application just as impressive as your ACT score! 

 

What percentile is a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score puts you at the 88th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 88% of all test takers. 

 

What is the SAT equivalent of a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1310 to 1340 on the SAT

 

What scholarships can you get with a 28 ACT score?

A 28 ACT score makes you eligible for merit scholarships, as well as merit aid from potential colleges and universities. Make sure to also apply for scholarships based on your location, extracurriculars, life circumstances, passions, future majors, and more! 

 

View all scholarships

 

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Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...

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i couldn't be more content with my choice of university for undergraduate education. penn state has so much to offer for students like me who don't put a limit to their dreams: highly-ranked academics, endless extra-curricular activities, greek life...

” – Alexandra from Sewell, NJ

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Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a large public research institution in East Lansing, Michigan, with a multicultural student population representing more than 140 countries. MSU offers more than 200 areas of study through 17 degree...

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The professors at Indiana University are accommodating to their students. If for any reason your schedule conflicts with office hours or review sessions most professors are willing to set up other meeting times for your benefit. There are many...

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I was expecting to be challenged academically, but instead I found that classes here were not as hard as expected. The classes are easy to get through, but are very interesting.

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Professors are very highly qualified and will teach a lot. Great learning experiences everywhere.

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” – John from Clarkston, WA

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GREAT tuition price.

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The Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, more commonly known as Louisiana State, is the most comprehensive university in the state. This public university is located in Baton Rouge and is a designated land-, space-, and...

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At LSU, many of the professors are actually interested in you learning. After being in a class as small as 20, to being in a class as big as 300, the professors are always encouraging student involvement with questions and working in groups. They are...

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Colorado State University is a land grant university located in Fort Collins at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Business Administration, Kinesiology, and Human Development are popular fields of study at this flagship university. A Student Recreation...

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I started off with five luck-of-the-draw classes. They were all challenging and all required a lot of work but I never really had to push myself. However, my grades weren't the highest of any of my classes either. JMU has a great college...

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Iowa State is a large university with the small college feel. It has many students but everywhere I go, I see people I know, and that are in my classes. Everyone is very nice and the professors know what they are teaching.

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Founded by Jesuits in the mid-nineteenth century, the University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university and the first university established in the city. The 55-acre urban campus located near Golden Gate Park is home to 49 academic majors...

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West Virginia University is a public, land-grant institution that operates 10 experimental farms and four forests across the state. Sociology, Journalism, and the Arts and Humanities are popular fields of study at this research-intensive university...

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The University of Colorado Boulder is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and ranks #90 in National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. They offer Residential Academic Programs (RAPs), multiple honors programs, and an Education...

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University of Colorado at Boulder offers a wide variety of topics to emerge yourself in. I have declared my major in Ethnic Studies and am amazed about how many events that happen and conferences that go on that are about my major. Since attending...

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Florida International University is the only public research university in Miami. FIU offers bachelor’s degrees in over 190 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the FIU campus houses the International Hurricane Research...

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College is not only about excelling in your classes in order to be rewarded with a degree but, it is also about life. At FIU you learn key concepts about working with your peers, time management and how to act in a professional manner. The university...

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California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in southern California and one of two polytechnic institutions in the Cal State system. Cal Poly Pomona is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. In...

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I have a hunger for what I want to learn and I believe Cal Poly will feed me properly as long as I put my part.

” – christian from Fontana, CA

With campus a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Atlantic University is a 4-year public university in southeast Florida. FAU houses 10 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition to...

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The teachers are really good. They really care about there students and want them to do well. They have tons of resources around campus to help out the students.

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The University of Delaware is a 4-year public university in northern Delaware and one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country—noting signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution in its first graduating...

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Originally founded as a small branch college, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a 4-year public university and an Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving institution. UNLV encompasses 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...

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The University of Utah is a public research instititution situated in Salt Lake City that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The U is home to three professional arts organizations to complement the College of Fine Arts, and even features a 3...

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The University of Utah classes are both academically challenging and realistically applicable.The professors teach in ways that challenge me to think differently and openly relating to the real world. It's actually quite refreshing. Not only am I...

” – Abby from Salt Lake City, UT

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Very homey feel on the campus. The faculty appear to be very well educated. Students were kind and helpful.

” – Luis from Palmetto Bay, FL

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The general education classes (especially Chemistry and the Math 009 series) are set up so that you are basically taking a year of the same class, so the material covered isn't too fast-paced, and it certainly is manageable. There is a wide range of...

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Sam Houston is a school meant for you to do well academically if you do your work. I have met life long friends in just a year and also had the time of my life and I can't wait to go back in the Fall. Just know that it doesn't matter where you are...

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“…

Nova Southeastern University is an excellent choice for any child who wants to go to college. Moreover, the class sizes are extremely small and they give you value for your money.

” – Peta-Gaye from Coral Springs, FL

Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is a 4-year institution in central Illinois and the first public university in the state. The ISU campus hosts six colleges and schools as well as an Honors Program and Milner Library. In addition, ISU is...

“…

During my first year of college at Illinois State University I have learned an abundant amount of information. Being an individual who is studying psychology has only boosted my confidence in pursing my profession in the business world. Illinois...

” – Porscha from Chicago, IL

Founded in 1809, Miami University is a 4-year public research institution in southwest Ohio and the state’s second oldest university. Miami of Ohio confers bachelor’s degrees in over 120 fields of study. For recreation, Miami is home to a unique...

“…

This beautiful campus has something for everyone. There are thousands of clubs and activities and even though we may not look diverse, the range of personalities is unlike any other. The medium class class is the best of both worlds; not...

” – Emily from Cincinnati, OH

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“…

Due to the helpful orientation staff, my freshman year of college managed to be a great transition from high school. They were quite friendly, approachable, and genuinely there to help with any questions or concerns for the incoming freshman...

” – Shantell