What are ACT subscores?

Hello peeps! So, I just got my ACT results, and I see this thing called 'subscores' in each section. I'm not exactly sure what they mean or how they're calculated. Can someone explain what these subscores are and how they impact my overall score?

Hello! Congrats on getting your ACT results! The ACT test consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 1-36. These individual section scores are referred to as subscores. The subscores are important because they show your proficiency in each of the four tested areas.

Now, to calculate your overall composite score, the ACT takes the average of your subscores from these four sections, rounding up or down to the nearest whole number. For example, if you scored 30 in English, 32 in Math, 28 in Reading, and 26 in Science, your composite score would be (30+32+28+26) / 4 = 30 (rounded to the nearest whole number since the actual average is 29.5).

Your composite score is typically what colleges look at most, as it gives them a good overall idea of your performance on the ACT. However, subscores can also be crucial, depending on the college and major you're applying to. For instance, a student applying to an engineering program may need a strong Math and Science subscore, while an applicant interested in literature might require a high English and Reading subscore.

In summary, ACT subscores represent your performance in each of the four tested sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and impact your overall composite score, which is the average of these four subscores. Subscores can be crucial for college admissions, depending on the college and major you're applying to, as they indicate your proficiency in specific subject areas. Good luck with your college applications!