Hey guys! I'm a bit confused about how the ACT test is scored. Can someone explain the ACT test scale to me? How does it work and how do I know if I did well or not?
Of course! The ACT test is comprised of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale between 1 and 36. Your overall ACT composite score is an average of your four section scores, also on a scale of 1 to 36. To calculate your composite score, add up your four section scores and divide the sum by 4, then round to the nearest whole number.
To give you an idea of what is considered a "good" ACT score, it's helpful to look at percentiles. The 50th percentile, which represents the average score, is typically around a composite score of 21. If you score above that, you're above-average, and if you score below, you're below-average. A score of 24 is approximately in the 74th percentile, meaning you've scored higher than around 74% of test-takers.
Generally, scoring in the upper 20s or above is regarded as a strong ACT score. For example, a score of 30 puts you in the 94th percentile, and a score of 34 or higher is in the 99th percentile.
To determine if you've done well on the ACT, you also have to take into consideration the colleges you're interested in applying to, by researching the average composite scores of admitted students at those institutions. Usually, colleges and universities will display the 25th and 75th percentile scores of admitted students, . To be a competitive applicant, you'll want to aim for a score within or above that range.
Furthermore, some colleges have specific section score requirements or preferences, especially if you're applying for particular academic programs. For example, a competitive engineering program might expect higher Math and Science scores even if your composite score is well above their average. Keep this in mind while evaluating your ACT scores relative to your desired schools and programs.
Good luck on your testing journey and college applications!
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