Hi! I'm just starting to prepare for the ACT and I'm a little stressed out. I've heard about perfect scores and average scores, but what about the lowest score? Can anyone tell me what's the 'lowest possible ACT score'? Understanding the scoring system can surely help me gauge where I stand, right?
Absolutely, understanding the scoring range for the ACT can definitely help contextualize your score, determine your areas of improvement, and set realistic goals for your prep!
The ACT comprises of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each graded on a scale of 1-36. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale of 1-36. Therefore, the lowest possible score you can theoretically get on the ACT is a 1.
However, it's worth noting that a score of 1 is incredibly rare, given even some correct answers or educated guesses on the multiple-choice questions will likely lift your score above that. A more realistic "low" score might be around the 10-15 range.
In terms of what's considered a "good" ACT score, well that depends on your goals. It's beneficial to research the average ACT scores for admission at the colleges or universities you're interested in applying to. For instance, most highly selective colleges typically have average ACT scores in the upper 20s or 30s. Remember, while scores are important, they're not the only thing that colleges consider, so don't stress too much. Good luck with your prep!
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