Many high school students preparing for college find themselves asking one important question: how are ACT scores calculated? Understanding the scoring system behind the ACT test is crucial for anyone looking to perform well and present a competitive college application. Whether you’re taking the test for the first time or looking to improve your previous score, knowing the breakdown of each section, how scores are scaled, and what your composite score means can help guide your preparation strategy. The ACT plays a major role in college admissions, so let’s explore the entire scoring process in a clear and straightforward way.
What Is the ACT?
The ACT, or American College Testing exam, is a standardized test used by colleges and universities in the United States to assess a student’s readiness for college-level academics. It is commonly taken by high school juniors and seniors and consists of four required sections plus an optional writing test.
Sections of the ACT
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
- Writing (optional)
Each of the four main sections is scored individually, and these scores are then averaged to create a composite score. The writing section is scored separately and does not factor into the composite score.
How Are ACT Scores Calculated?
The process of scoring the ACT involves converting raw scores into scaled scores, which allows for a fair comparison across different test versions. This method ensures that variations in difficulty from one test date to another do not unfairly affect student results.
Step 1: Raw Scores
Your raw score is simply the number of questions you answered correctly in each section. The ACT does not deduct points for incorrect answers, so it’s always best to answer every question even if you have to guess.
- If a section has 75 questions and you get 60 correct, your raw score is 60.
- If you leave a question blank or answer it incorrectly, no points are subtracted.
Step 2: Scaled Scores
Each raw score is converted to a scaled score ranging from 1 to 36. This conversion process uses a scale that may slightly change for each test to account for difficulty. The purpose is to ensure fairness among all test-takers, regardless of when they take the exam.
For example, a raw score of 60 in English might translate to a scaled score of 31. This scale is determined by ACT test-makers after the test is administered.
Step 3: Composite Score
Once you have your scaled scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science, these four numbers are averaged together to calculate your composite score. The composite score is also on a scale from 1 to 36 and is rounded to the nearest whole number.
- English: 31
- Math: 28
- Reading: 30
- Science: 27
- Composite score = (31 + 28 + 30 + 27) ÷ 4 = 29
Step 4: Writing Score (Optional)
If you take the optional ACT Writing Test, your essay will be evaluated by two readers who each assign a score between 1 and 6 in four domains:
- Ideas and Analysis
- Development and Support
- Organization
- Language Use and Conventions
The scores from both readers are added together, giving you a total score between 2 and 12. This writing score is reported separately and does not impact your composite score.
Subscores and STEM/Ela Scores
In addition to your section and composite scores, ACT provides subscores and other insights to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Subscores
Each section may contain subscores that offer more detail:
- English: Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills
- Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
- Reading: Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Literary Narrative
- Science: Data Representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints
These subscores can help you pinpoint areas for improvement and guide your future study plans.
STEM and ELA Scores
The ACT also provides two combined scores:
- STEM Score: The average of your Math and Science scores
- ELA Score: The average of your English, Reading, and Writing scores (if you take the Writing Test)
These scores give colleges additional insight into your academic strengths in key subject areas.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
A ‘good’ ACT score depends on your goals and the colleges you’re applying to. Generally, a composite score of 21 is considered average, as it’s the national median. However, more competitive colleges may expect scores in the upper 20s or low 30s.
ACT Score Percentiles
- 36 99th percentile (top 1%)
- 31 95th percentile
- 27 85th percentile
- 21 50th percentile (average)
- 16 25th percentile
Knowing your percentile can help you understand how your score compares to others and whether you might need to retake the exam to strengthen your application.
How Colleges Use ACT Scores
Colleges and universities consider ACT scores alongside your GPA, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and personal essays. ACT scores help admissions officers assess your academic readiness, especially for core subjects like math and reading comprehension.
Other Uses of ACT Scores
- Scholarship eligibility
- Course placement in college
- Statewide assessments in some states
Some colleges have gone test-optional, meaning ACT scores are not required. However, submitting strong scores can still give your application an edge.
Tips to Improve Your ACT Score
Improving your ACT score involves practice, time management, and familiarity with the test format. Here are a few strategies to help:
- Take official ACT practice tests under timed conditions
- Review explanations for all missed questions
- Focus on your weakest subject areas first
- Use high-quality prep books and online resources
- Consider enrolling in a prep course or hiring a tutor
Consistency and regular practice can significantly improve your scores, especially when you understand how ACT scoring works.
Understanding how ACT scores are calculated is essential for any student planning to take this important college admissions exam. By learning how raw scores are converted to scaled scores, how your composite score is determined, and what the optional writing test involves, you can approach the ACT with more confidence and clarity. Whether you’re aiming for the average or trying to break into the top percentile, knowing how the scoring system works is your first step toward success. ACT scores are more than just numbers they represent your readiness for college and can open doors to new opportunities.