Final answer:
The NCES data does not specify recommended ACT scores for MSC IPP candidates; however, U.S. average ACT scores surpass the intermediate benchmark at 515. Candidates should aim for scores above this to be competitive, as benchmark scores range from 400 to 625.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about the recommended ACT score for MSC IPP candidates. The ACT score is a standardized test score used for college admissions in the United States, and while the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides data on ACT score averages and standard deviations by sex and race/ethnicity, it does not specifically outline recommendations for MSC IPP candidates. However, benchmark scores indicating varying levels of achievement range from low (400) to advanced (625), and comparison data from TIMSS shows that the United States surpasses the intermediate benchmark, with an average score of 515. This implies that MSC IPP candidates should aim for scores above the national average, ideally crossing the intermediate threshold and approaching the high benchmark for a competitive edge.