Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Lowest ACT score possible

Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about the ACT scoring system. What's the lowest ACT score you can get? I want to know the range of possible scores so I can set realistic goals for myself.

a year ago

Hey there! The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest score possible. The lowest possible score you can get is a 1. The Composite score is calculated by averaging the scores of the four individual sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is also scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Typically, a 21 is considered the U.S. national average, but the average scores might vary for different colleges and universities.

It's essential to set realistic goals for yourself based on your abilities, and knowing the scoring range is a great place to start. For setting your target score, consider researching the average scores for students admitted to the colleges and universities of your interest. That way, you'll have a clearer idea of the performance level necessary for a competitive application.

Additionally, keep in mind that while a solid ACT score is important, it is not the only factor in the admissions process, as many schools review applications holistically, considering other aspects of your profile like extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and recommendations.

Good luck with your ACT preparation, and remember to target a score that aligns well with your desired colleges and your own expectations!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.