Northeastern University, known for its emphasis on experiential learning, holds high expectations for its applicants. In this article, we will explore the Northeastern ACT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Northeastern’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Northeastern?
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, Northeastern’s average composite ACT score falls around a 34, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. The 25th percentile score is a 33, and the 75th percentile composite score reaches a strong 35.
This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 33 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a score of 35 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards Northeastern holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Northeastern?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the Northeastern ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Northeastern is a near-perfect 35. Further, the 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 34 and 35, respectively. Evidently, Northeastern students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with the majority achieving nearly perfect scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at Northeastern?
The average ACT Math score among Northeastern admits falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 30 and 35, respectively. Additionally, an ACT Math score of 33 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at Northeastern. This means that 25% of students admitted to Northeastern scored a 30 or below on the ACT Math. Furthermore, the top 25% of admitted students scored a 35 or above.
While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high. However, as with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet. Now, let’s look at the specific Northeastern ACT requirements.
What are Northeastern’s ACT requirements?
For the incoming classes through fall 2026, Northeastern is test-optional. This means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. Moreover, students who choose to go test-optional are not at a disadvantage. Every applicant will receive full admissions consideration regardless of their testing status.
Applicants can self-report their ACT scores through the Application Status Check. Applicants who are admitted and choose to enroll must submit official ACT scores.
Note that Northeastern does not require or expect the ACT Writing section.
More details about Northeastern ACT requirements can be found on their Test-Optional and Standardized Testing FAQs page.
What percent of Northeastern applicants submit the ACT?
Among admitted applicants, roughly 11% choose to submit ACT scores. An additional 33% submit SAT scores. Lastly, the remaining approximate 56% choose to go test-optional. These statistics show that the SAT remains a popular choice for Northeastern applicants. That said, there is no advantage in choosing one test over the other apart from individual preference and circumstance.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like Northeastern. We recommend that any student with the means to do so takes the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your Northeastern application. Giving yourself the opportunity to perform well can only help, and poor scores can always be left off your application without penalty.
Consider your scores in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school like Northeastern. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. Sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to submit will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Northeastern superscore the ACT?
Northeastern superscores the ACT. This means that the Northeastern admissions team will combine your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science sections across multiple test dates to create your superscore.
Northeastern also allows applicants to use the ACT equivalent of the College Board Score Choice option, allowing students to select which test dates to submit scores from. This option is beneficial for students who have a score or two they are most proud of and others they would prefer not to submit.
What’s a good ACT score for Northeastern?
Northeastern does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. In other words, there is more to an application than test scores. Northeastern has a holistic admissions approach.
While there is no minimum score requirement, most admitted Northeastern students have high standardized testing scores. The average composite score is around 34, so aiming for a score at or above this average would put you in a good position. Further, the upper 25% of Northeastern students scored a composite 35 or higher, with many scoring near-perfect results. So, as expected, a “good” ACT score for Northeastern is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| Math | 30 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Northeastern with a low ACT?
Getting into Northeastern with a low SAT score is challenging but possible. “Low” is a relative term: below-average scores for Northeastern are still quite high overall. The lower quartile composite ACT score is 33. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
That said, it is still possible to gain admission with an ACT score below a 33. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only factor. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as academic performance, are just as important as test scores, if not more so. Lastly, remember that if you feel your scores do not accurately reflect your academic capacities, you can choose to go test-optional.
When should I take the ACT for Northeastern?
For students planning to apply during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT for Northeastern is generally during the junior spring semester. However, applicants to Northeastern must submit their test scores by the application deadline. Thus, your last ACT test date must be 2-4 weeks (at the absolute latest) before your application deadline. This will give you just enough time to receive and self-report your test score before you apply.
For more details, see Northeastern’s Deadlines & Decisions webpage.
What is Northeastern’s ACT code?
Northeastern’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1880.
While Northeastern no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our Northeastern SAT Breakdown!
