Understanding the ACT grade scale

Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about the ACT grading scale. I know it's scored out of 36, but can someone explain the scale further, like what's usually considered a good score, and any info on percentiles? Thanks!

Hey there! No problem, I can help you understand the ACT grading scale better.

As you mentioned, the ACT is scored out of 36, with four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) each receiving a score between 1 and 36. The composite score is then calculated by averaging these section scores, rounding it to the nearest whole number.

Now, let's break down the scoring a bit further in terms of percentiles. The percentiles represent the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below a specific score.

Here's a general overview of ACT scores and their percentiles:

- 36: 99+ percentile (highest possible score)

- 34: 99 percentile

- 30: 94-97 percentile (top 5%)

- 28: 89 percentile

- 24: 73-76 percentile

- 21: 50 percentile (average score)

- 18: 30-32 percentile

- 16: 20-21 percentile

- 11: 2 percentile (lowest score that can be reported)

Generally, a score of 30 or above is considered to be a strong score that can help make you a competitive applicant at many top-tier colleges. However, a "good" score depends on the institutions you're targeting. For less selective colleges, a score in the low- to mid-20s may be sufficient. It's crucial to research the average ACT scores of admitted students at the colleges you're interested in to better understand what score range you should aim for.

It's important to remember that while the ACT score is a significant part of your application, colleges also consider various other factors (such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation) during the admission process. So, focus on achieving a strong and well-rounded application overall. Good luck with your test prep and college application process!