Illinois Colleges for a 18 on the ACT
With a 18 ACT, you are competitive at 42 four-year colleges in Illinois (15 target, 18 reach, 9 safety). Your score is roughly equivalent to a 970 SAT.
Colleges in Illinois for a 18 ACT
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 18 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Reach schools typically enroll students with higher average ACT scores; admission is possible but more competitive.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Safety schools have average ACT scores well below 18; you have a very high chance of acceptance.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 18 ACT in Illinois
18 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 18 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 15 | 850 |
| 16 | 890 |
| 17 | 930 |
| 18 | 970 |
| 19 | 1010 |
| 20 | 1040 |
| 21 | 1080 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Published: August 19, 2026