Decoding ACT scaled score

Hey fellow test takers, I recently received my ACT score and it was a scaled score. How exactly does the ACT scale their scores? Is there a maximum and if so, what is it?

The ACT score that you receive after taking the test is indeed a scaled score. In terms of the maximum, the highest possible composite score you can receive in the ACT is 36, which is the average of the 4 sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Each of these subject areas is also scaled to a score between 1 and 36.

Here's a rundown of how your score is calculated:

1. First, the raw score is calculated for each section. This means the number of questions you answered correctly. There's no penalty for incorrect answers, so your raw score is just the total number of correct responses.

2. Then, each raw score is converted into a scaled score using a process called equating. Equating is designed to adjust for slight differences in difficulty between different test forms, so a scaled score always reflects the same level of performance, regardless of which specific exam form you took. It doesn’t matter if one version of the test you took was slightly more difficult or easier than another version; your scaled score should reflect the same level of ability.

3. Finally, your composite score is calculated. This is simply the rounded average of your four section scaled scores (English, Math, Reading, Science).

So when looking at your ACT scores, you'll want to take note of both your individual section scores, and your overall composite score. The composite score is what most colleges will refer to when stating their ACT score requirements. But individual section scores can also be important, particularly if you're applying for a program that emphasizes a specific skill or area of study (like a STEM program looking at your Math score).

Remember, every college has different ACT score requirements and looks at ACT scores in conjunction with other elements of your application. Your ACT score is just one piece of the puzzle!