When it comes to the ACT, I know each section has its own score. But how exactly is the composite/total score calculated? Do all sections have equal weight or are some more important than others?
The ACT composite score is calculated by averaging the scores of all four individual sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and all sections have equal weight in determining your composite score. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Take the raw score for each section, which is the total number of questions you answered correctly.
2. Convert the raw scores to scaled scores (also ranging from 1 to 36) using the unique conversion chart provided for each test administration. This is necessary because the difficulty of the test may vary slightly between different versions, so scaling ensures fairness when comparing scores from different test dates.
3. Add up your scaled scores from each of the four sections.
4. Divide the sum by 4 (the total number of sections) and then round to the nearest whole number. This final number is your ACT composite score.
Remember, all sections carry equal weight, so performing well in all of them is essential for achieving a high composite score. It's important to know that the Writing section (if you chose to take it) is scored separately and does not factor into your composite score; it is reported as a separate score out of 12.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.