ACT scoring system

I'm just starting to look into college admissions tests and I'm not sure about the ACT scoring system. How does the ACT work, and what is the maximum score possible?

The ACT is a standardized test that consists of four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 1 being the lowest possible score and 36 being the highest. After you complete all four sections, your individual section scores are averaged to create a composite score, which is also on a scale of 1 to 36. So the maximum score possible on the ACT is a 36.

It's important to note that the composite score is rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if your total score for all the sections is 114, your composite score would be 28.5, which rounds up to 29.

In addition to the four main sections, there is an optional Writing test. If you decide to take the Writing test, it is scored separately on a scale of 2-12 and does not factor into your composite score. However, some colleges may require or recommend that you take the Writing test, so be sure to check the requirements for the schools you're interested in.

When it comes to college admissions, your composite score is the primary number that colleges look at, along with your individual section scores. It's a good idea to take some practice tests and allocate time for test preparation to familiarize yourself with the test format and work on improving your scores. Remember, most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, so you might consider taking both to see which test is a better fit for your skills and strengths.

If you end up taking the ACT and are aiming high, consider checking out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of tips that can help you maximize your performance: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-36-act-score/. Good luck with your test preparation!