Okay, so I'm planning to take the ACT soon, but I'm super confused about the whole 'composite score' thing. Can anyone help me understand what a composite score is on the ACT test and how it's calculated?
A composite score on the ACT is an average of the four main section scores on the test - English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each of these sections is individually scored on a scale of 1 to 36. To calculate the composite score, you simply add up the scores from each section and then divide by 4 (the number of sections). Finally, the result is rounded to the nearest whole number. Here's a quick example to help you understand better:
Let's say you have the following section scores:
- English: 28
- Mathematics: 30
- Reading: 32
- Science: 34
To find the composite score, you would first add up these scores:
28 + 30 + 32 + 34 = 124
Next, divide the sum by 4:
124 ÷ 4 = 31
In this case, your composite score would be 31. Keep in mind that the composite score is typically the most important number that college admissions officers consider when reviewing your ACT results. It provides them with a single, summarizing value that represents your overall performance on the test. However, they may also look at your individual section scores to assess your strengths and weaknesses in specific areas.
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