Deciphering ACT Scores

Hey guys, so I've just started studying for the ACT and there's something that's been gnawing at my mind. What's the average score most students get on the ACT? I know the highest possible score is 36, but what's the average? Does it vary from school to school or state to state?

The ACT composite score is indeed scaled from 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score you can attain. As for the average, it tends to fluctuate a little bit year by year, but as an approximate, the average ACT score nationwide typically hovers around 20.7.

The score distribution can vary based on a variety of factors. For instance, there may be some variance state by state. This often has to do with education policies and the number of students taking the exam. States where nearly all high school students take the ACT might have a lower average, while states that only have a fraction of students taking it (often the ones aiming at selective colleges) might have a higher average.

Additionally, averages can indeed vary from school to school. For instance, a school with a highly competitive admissions process might report an average ACT score much higher than the national average.

Just remember, when aligning your ACT goals, it's important to consider the score averages or middle 50% range of the colleges you're interested in. These benchmarks often provide a better perspective for where you want your scores to land. But also remember that while test scores are an important piece of your college application, they're not the only piece colleges consider. Your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, also contribute to your "fit" for a particular college. Make sure to keep preparing comprehensively for all sections of the exam and best of luck with your studies!