Therefore, there's no simple list of colleges that "accept" a 17. Instead, you should focus on colleges with:
* Open admissions policies: These colleges generally accept most applicants who meet minimum high school requirements. These are often community colleges or less selective four-year institutions.
* Lower average ACT scores: Look at the average ACT score of admitted students on college websites. If the average is significantly below 21-22, a 17 might be more competitive.
* Focus on other aspects of your application: If you have a strong GPA, compelling extracurricular activities, or overcome significant challenges, you have a better chance, even with a lower ACT score.
To find suitable colleges, I recommend:
1. Using college search websites: Websites like Naviance (if your high school uses it), College Board, and Cappex allow you to filter colleges based on ACT scores and other criteria. Be realistic in your expectations.
2. Researching open-enrollment colleges and community colleges: These institutions often have less stringent admissions requirements. You can then transfer to a four-year college after completing some coursework.
3. Focusing on colleges that value holistic review: Some colleges place less emphasis on standardized tests and more on the whole student. Their websites usually emphasize this in their admissions criteria.
In short, a 17 ACT score doesn't automatically disqualify you from any college, but it significantly limits your options. Concentrate on finding colleges that prioritize your other strengths and have less competitive admission requirements. Consider improving your score if possible, as it will significantly broaden your college choices.