31 ACT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Dartmouth and Northeastern are still reaches with a 31, but this score is strong enough for about 1,450 colleges nationwide. Those two stay harder to get into because they admit so few students. You're in a good spot.
How 31 ACT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 97th - higher than about 97% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 21 - you're above the typical score.
- SAT equivalent: ~1400 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,448 schools (238 target, 57 reach, 1,153 safety).
Is a 31 ACT Score Good?
Yes, a 31 ACT is a high enough score to be taken seriously at selective colleges. Penn, MIT, and Johns Hopkins usually land at 34-36, so they stay reaches, but you are only a few points shy of those bands.
Michigan's middle 50% is 31-34, so your score lines up with typical admits there. UCLA reports 29-35 and still counts as a reach because the admit rate is so low.
Colleges still read your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations. The 31 helps a lot, but those other pieces decide plenty of close calls.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 31 ACT
Harvard, Yale, and Harvey Mudd usually report 33-36, so a 31 is below the middle 50% and those stay harder to get into. UT Austin (27-33) puts you toward the high end, and Florida (29-33) overlaps the usual band. The tables split schools into tougher reaches, good-fit targets, and likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 31 is inside or near the middle 50% at these schools, which means a good shot. University of Georgia (29-34) and Clemson (28-32) are two examples.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Even a strong 31 leaves many top schools as reaches. Northwestern and Pomona both report 33-35, and low admit rates make them tougher no matter how close the score looks.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 31 is well above the middle 50% at these colleges, so the odds look strong. Arizona State (21-28) and Texas Tech (23-28) show how much room you have.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 31 ACT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 31 ACT in popular states:
Local Options for a 31 ACT
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Should you retake the ACT if you have a 31?
A 31 is already high, so another test date is optional. If your top choices usually want a 34 or higher, one more sitting can help. Otherwise you can apply with this score and put the time into essays and grades.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May push you into more 34+ ranges | Time away from grades and activities |
| Helps if your top choices are ultra-selective | Gains are not guaranteed at this level |
Serious prep often adds about 1-2 ACT composite points. At 31 those last points take real work: timed sections, official practice tests, and extra drills on your weaker subject. A short prep plan is enough if you decide to go for it.
You can apply with this 31, or prep for one more test if a couple of extra points would change your top-choice picture.
31 ACT to SAT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 31 ACT to SAT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| ACT Score | SAT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 28 | 1310 |
| 29 | 1340 |
| 30 | 1370 |
| 31 | 1400 |
| 32 | 1430 |
| 33 | 1460 |
| 34 | 1500 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 31 ACT places you in about the 97th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 97% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 31 ACT
- Compare nearby scores: 30 and 32
- Browse the equivalent 1400 SAT college list
Published: August 19, 2026