Understanding ACT subscores—what do they mean?

Hi! I was wondering if anyone could help me understand what ACT subscores are and how they affect college admissions? I'm unsure about how these scores are used or how much they matter. Thanks for any info you can provide!

Hi there! I'm glad you're seeking more information about ACT subscores and their role in college admissions. I'm happy to help!

The ACT test is made up of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each of these sections is scored separately on a scale of 1 to 36. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale of 1 to 36.

ACT subscores provide more detailed information about your performance in certain skill areas within the English, Math, and Reading sections:

- For the English section, you'll receive subscores for Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills.

- The Math section provides subscores for Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry, and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry.

- The Reading section offers subscores for Social Studies/Sciences and Arts/Literature.

While your composite ACT score and section scores are generally more significant to colleges, some institutions may still consider subscores to get a more nuanced understanding of your academic strengths and weaknesses. These subscores are particularly important for specific programs or scholarships that require proficiency in particular subject areas. For example, a competitive engineering program may want to ensure that you have strong math skills.

In most cases, however, colleges focus primarily on your composite ACT score, section scores, and other aspects of your application. They typically use the subscores to supplement their understanding of your abilities. It's important, therefore, to strive for a strong overall performance on the ACT instead of only concentrating on specific subscores.

Keep in mind that college admissions officers look at a variety of factors, like your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation when evaluating your application. Try to focus on maintaining a holistic application that reflects not only your test scores but also your talents and interests outside of the classroom.

Good luck with your college admissions journey, and I hope that this information helps you better understand ACT subscores and their role in the process!