The University of Iowa typically admits students with ACT scores between 25-30, with most admitted students scoring around 27-28. For competitive programs like engineering or business, scores of 28+ are more common. Since Iowa uses ACT/GPA combinations for automatic admission thresholds, a 28+ ACT can significantly boost your chances even with a slightly lower GPA.

The ACT Science section (35 minutes, 40 questions) doesn't require advanced science knowledge—it tests your ability to interpret data, read graphs, and understand scientific reasoning. You'll analyze charts, tables, and experimental designs across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science topics. Many students find this section challenging because it's uniquely timed and fast-paced; success depends on quick data interpretation rather than memorized science facts.

The ACT is historically more popular in the Midwest and Iowa specifically—many state schools built their admissions processes around ACT scoring. However, most Midwest universities now accept both tests equally, so you should take whichever format plays to your strengths. That said, if you're applying primarily to Iowa schools, the ACT is the more familiar test and you'll have easier score comparisons with other applicants.

Most students benefit from 40-60 hours of focused ACT prep spread over 2-3 months before test day. If you're starting in junior year, you have more flexibility to space out your prep; seniors preparing for fall/winter tests should aim to start by summer. With personalized tutoring, many students see meaningful improvement in 6-8 weeks of consistent work, especially when targeting specific weak sections like Science or Math.

Most students improve 2-4 points on the composite ACT with focused prep, though improvement varies based on your starting score and effort. Students starting around 20-22 often see larger gains (4-6 points) because there's more room to improve fundamentals, while students already scoring 28+ typically see 1-2 point improvements. Personalized tutoring helps you target your specific weak sections—whether that's the Science section's pacing or Math's trigonometry—which often yields faster progress than generic prep.

The ACT Science section is notoriously tight on time (35 minutes for 40 questions), so strategy matters more than science knowledge. Effective approaches include: spending 30 seconds skimming the passage, 20-30 seconds per question, and skipping complex questions to return to later. Many students improve their Science pacing by practicing with actual ACT tests under timed conditions and learning which question types they can answer quickly versus which ones need more time.

Most colleges no longer require the ACT Writing section, and many don't even accept it anymore—check your target schools' requirements before deciding. If you're applying to selective universities or specific programs that require it, take the Writing section; otherwise, skip it to save time and money. Most Des Moines students applying to Iowa State, University of Iowa, and other Midwest schools don't need it, so focus your energy on the four main sections instead.