You worked hard, took the ACT, and scored a 32. Now you're wondering if that number is good enough for the colleges on your list. The honest answer is yes. A 32 is an excellent score that opens doors to competitive universities across the country. But where you stand depends on which schools you're considering and what the rest of your application looks like.
A composite score of 32 places you in the 97th percentile nationally, according to ACT data. You scored higher than roughly 97 out of every 100 students who took the test. That's exceptional.
For perspective, a 32 translates to approximately 1450 to 1480 on the SAT. At most colleges and universities in the United States, a 32 makes you a competitive applicant. You've cleared the academic bar, and now the rest of your application can show who you really are as a student and person.
A score of 32 puts you in range for admission at hundreds of colleges, including many well-known public and private institutions. Schools like the University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, Boston University, New York University, and Villanova University regularly admit students with ACT scores in this range.
A 32 also qualifies you for merit-based scholarships at many schools. Colleges actively seek high-achieving students and often reward them with financial aid. Your score strengthens your case for these awards.
If you're thinking about which schools align with your goals and how to approach test preparation, understanding where your score positions you is a helpful first step. You might also find it useful to compare ACT vs SAT to see which test plays to your strengths.
For Ivy League universities and other top-tier schools like Stanford or MIT, a 32 sits on the lower end of their typical admitted student range. Most accepted students at these institutions score between 34 and 36. That doesn't mean a 32 closes the door, but it does mean your test score alone won't carry your application.
Many students with a 32 still gain admission to highly selective schools, especially when they bring strong grades, meaningful extracurricular involvement, compelling college essays, and excellent recommendations. Colleges evaluate the whole person, not just a single number. If you're applying to top-tier schools, investing time in your college essay topics can help you stand out.
Whether to retake depends on your goals and circumstances. Consider retaking if you're targeting schools where the middle 50% of admitted students score 34 or higher, if you had an off day and genuinely believe you can improve, or if you've identified specific areas to strengthen and have time to prepare. Before deciding, check out how many times you can take the ACT and whether retaking aligns with your timeline.
Don't retake if you're applying to schools where a 32 is within or above their typical range, if you'd rather spend time strengthening other parts of your application, or if you're feeling burned out. One strategic retake can make sense. Multiple retakes rarely lead to significant gains and can add stress during an already demanding time.
College admissions offices care about far more than test scores. A 32 proves you can handle college-level work, but it doesn't tell your full story. Admissions committees also evaluate your GPA and course rigor, how well you articulate your values and experiences in essays, what teachers and counselors say about your growth, and where you've invested your time outside the classroom.
If juggling academics, extracurriculars, and college prep feels overwhelming, developing strong executive function skills can help you stay organized and manage it all with less stress. You might find our ACT preparation checklist helpful as you navigate next steps.
At LifeWorks, we help students approach test prep and college planning with confidence and clarity. If you're ready to explore how we can support your journey, get in touch with us to learn more.
What percentile is a 32 ACT score?
A 32 places you in the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than approximately 97% of all students who took the test nationwide.
Can I get into an Ivy League school with a 32?
Yes, many students with a 32 are admitted to Ivy League schools. However, most accepted students score 34 to 36, so a strong overall application is essential.
Is a 32 good enough for scholarships?
Absolutely. A 32 makes you eligible for merit-based scholarships at many colleges and can strengthen your candidacy for competitive awards.
Should I retake if I scored a 32?
Only retake if you're applying to highly selective schools where typical scores are 34 or higher and you believe you can meaningfully improve. Otherwise, focus on other application components.
How does a 32 ACT compare to the SAT?
A 32 ACT is roughly equivalent to a 1450 to 1480 on the SAT. Both scores are considered excellent and make you competitive at most colleges.
What colleges accept a 32 ACT score?
Hundreds of colleges admit students with a 32, including University of Florida, UCLA, University of Michigan, USC, Boston University, NYU, and many others.
