ACT Scores and Results: Calculation, Percentiles, Validity, Scorecard & More

How is the ACT Writing Scored?

The ACT Writing test is scored holistically, meaning it assesses the overall quality of your essay rather than individual components. Two trained readers independently evaluate your essay, assigning scores from 1 to 6 in four key areas:

1. Ideas and Analysis

2. Development and Support

3. Organisation

4. Language Use and Conventions

These scores are then averaged to determine your final writing score, ranging from 2 to 12. It’s crucial to remember that the ACT Writing test doesn’t evaluate whether your perspective is right or wrong. Instead, it focuses on your ability to construct a well-reasoned argument, support your claims with evidence, and effectively communicate your ideas.

ACT Test Score Ranges

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with each of its four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) also individually scored on the same scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. It’s important to note that while a perfect score is 36, it’s incredibly rare. Most students score within a specific range.

ACT score range breakdown:

• Below average (1–16): Indicates room for improvement and identifies areas to focus on to enhance your performance.

• Average (17–24): Shows competency in the subject matter and meets the expectations of many colleges and universities.

• Above Average (25–36): Highlights exceptional performance, indicating readiness for rigorous coursework and potentially opening doors to scholarships and selective programs.

A low score doesn’t define your abilities. It simply highlights areas for growth. An average ACT score shows you’re on the right track but may require additional effort to reach your goals. An above-average score is a significant achievement that can greatly benefit your college applications.

Your ideal ACT score depends on your academic goals and the expectations of the colleges you’re interested in. You should aim high, but be realistic and focus on continuous improvement. You must keep in mind that your ACT score is just one aspect of your application, and your determination and hard work are equally important.

Read also: Sending ACT Scores to Colleges

Understanding ACT Score Percentiles

The ACT provides scores in the form of both raw scores and percentiles. Raw scores are the total points you earn based on your correct answers in each section (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Percentiles indicate how your performance compares to that of other test-takers. For example, a 90th percentile score means you scored better than 90% of students who took the test.

The following tables show the estimated ACT score percentile distributions for both composite and writing scores:

ACT Composite Score Percentile Distribution

ACT Writing Score Percentile Distribution

While percentiles help you gauge your performance relative to others, it’s crucial to remember that most colleges focus on your composite score (the average of your four section scores) when making admissions decisions. They often have their own score ranges for admitted students, and your composite score is what they’ll use to evaluate your application.

Read also: ACT Score Calculator

Understanding Your ACT Score Report

Tests, questions, and reporting categories are interconnected elements that provide a comprehensive understanding of your performance. Questions within a test are designed to assess specific skills or knowledge areas, and these questions are then grouped into broader reporting categories. Each reporting category reflects a set of related skills or knowledge, aligning with educational standards like the ACT’s College and Career Readiness Standards.

Score reports provide you with both an overall score and a breakdown of your performance in each reporting category. By referencing the reporting category information, you can gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to identify areas for improvement or focus your academic efforts.

For even more in-depth details on reporting categories, you can refer to the ACT Technical Manual, which offers detailed explanations and additional context.

What is ACT Superscoring?

ACT Superscoring is a method used by some colleges to evaluate your ACT performance. Instead of considering only the highest composite score from a single test date, superscoring takes the highest score from each individual section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) across all test attempts and averages them to create a new, potentially higher composite score. This approach allows you to show your strongest performance in each subject area, rather than being penalised for a weaker section on a particular test day.

Note: It’s crucial to remember that not all colleges superscore. Therefore, it’s important to research the admissions policies of your target schools to determine if they consider ACT superscores and to develop a test-taking strategy accordingly.

What is a Good ACT Composite Score?

An ACT score above the national average of around 19–21 is generally considered good. However, highly selective colleges often expect scores in the 30s. A score in the mid-20s can make you competitive for many colleges, but for top-tier universities, aiming for a score in the upper 20s or even 30s is advisable.

The best way to gauge a good ACT score is to research the average ACT scores of the colleges you’re interested in. The following table outlines the average ACT scores for some of the top colleges.

It’s essential to consider that the ACT is just one factor in the college admissions process. Even with a lower ACT score, you might still be a strong candidate if you have excellent grades, compelling extracurricular activities, or a standout personal statement. Therefore, while aiming for a good ACT score is important, it’s equally important to focus on other aspects of your application to create a holistic profile.

Read also: Colleges Accepting 25 to 30 ACT Score

What is a Good ACT Writing Score?

A good ACT Writing score typically falls in the range of 8 or above. This indicates a strong ability to develop and support ideas clearly and effectively. Achieving a score in this range shows a solid command of language, organisation, and critical thinking skills. Such a score positions you competitively for admission to a wide range of colleges and universities.

However, it’s essential to remember that the definition of a good score can vary depending on the specific colleges you’re targeting. Highly selective colleges may expect scores closer to the top of the scale, while less competitive colleges may be satisfied with a slightly lower score.

When is the ACT Result Released?

The ACT results release timeline varies depending on several factors. Typically, multiple-choice scores become available within two weeks of the ACT test date. However, for specific test dates designated for equating purposes, this timeframe can extend to three to eight weeks. It’s important to note that writing scores require additional time for manual scoring. It usually takes about two weeks after the release of multiple-choice scores. Therefore, if you took the ACT with writing, you can expect to receive your complete scores around three to five weeks after the test date.

How to Check Your ACT Scores?

To check your ACT scores, you’ll need to access your MyACT account. This is the official platform where ACT posts and manages test results. You won’t be able to retrieve your scores through email, phone, or any other method except through your MyACT account.

Once logged in, you can view your scores, including a breakdown of each section and your composite score. Keep in mind that your ACT writing score, if you took the writing test, will be released separately from your other scores.

Read also: Colleges Accepting 30 ACT Score and Above

ACT Score Release Dates 2024–2025

Here’s a tentative timeline for when you can expect your ACT results to be released:

How to Interpret the ACT Scorecard?

The ACT scorecard provides a comprehensive breakdown of your performance on the exam. It displays individual scores for the four main sections (English, Reading, Math, and Science) along with an optional writing score. These scores are presented on a scale of 1 to 36.

The scorecard goes beyond just individual sections by also offering STEM and ELA scores. These combine your scores in Math and Science (STEM) or English and Reading (ELA) to give you a broader picture of your strengths. Additionally, the scorecard includes ACT College Readiness Benchmarks for each section and the combined scores. These benchmarks indicate whether your score is likely to translate to success in corresponding college courses.

What is the Validity of the ACT Score?

The ACT is valid for five years from the date of the test. This means that if you take the ACT in April 2023, your scores will remain valid until April 2028. Within this timeframe, the scores can be used for college applications and admissions purposes.

It’s important to note that while the scores are valid for five years, individual colleges and universities may have specific score requirements or preferences. Therefore, you need to check the specific guidelines of the institutions you are targeting.

How to Use Your ACT Result?

Your ACT result can be used for two important reasons: securing college admission and financial aid (scholarships).

ACT scores and college admissions

Your ACT score is an important factor in the college admissions process. Colleges use it as a standardised measure to evaluate your academic readiness. A good ACT score can significantly enhance your chances of getting admission to your desired university, especially for highly selective institutions. Admissions officers consider it alongside other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays when making their decisions. A competitive ACT score shows your academic abilities and potential to succeed in higher education.

ACT scores and scholarships

In addition to admissions, your ACT score can offer significant financial opportunities through scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer merit-based ACT scholarships awarded to students with high ACT scores. These scholarships can range from partial tuition waivers to full rides, substantially reducing the cost of higher education. Furthermore, external organisations also provide scholarships based on academic achievement, and a strong ACT score can make you a competitive candidate. By excelling on the ACT, you increase your chances of securing substantial financial aid to support your college education.

Read also: ACT Score Chart

Why Retake the ACT?

Retaking the ACT can be a strategic decision for many of you. If your initial ACT score doesn’t align with your target college or scholarship goals, a retake is a viable option. Perhaps you were underprepared, unwell, or simply had an off day during the first attempt. Retaking the test allows you to show your true academic abilities and improves your chances of gaining admission to preferred universities or securing substantial financial aid.

When Should You Retake the ACT?

The optimal timing for an ACT retake depends on several factors. Typically, students take the ACT for the first time during their junior year to get a baseline score. If there’s significant room for improvement, retaking the ACT in the fall of the senior year can be beneficial. This provides ample time to address weaknesses identified in the previous attempt.

However, if your initial ACT score is close to your target, retaking might not be necessary. The decision should be based on a careful evaluation of your goals, the time available, and the potential impact of a higher score.

ACT Scores for College and Career Benchmarks

ACT benchmarks are target scores on the ACT subject-area tests that indicate your readiness for college-level coursework. Meeting or exceeding these benchmarks signifies:

• A 50% chance of earning a B or higher

• A 75% chance of earning a C or higher

in corresponding first-year college courses. These courses typically include English composition, college algebra, introductory social science, and biology.

The benchmarks are based on a nationwide study of over 230,000 students at 214 institutions and reflect the median expectations for course placement at these colleges and universities. Taking the ACT with writing provides additional scores valuable to you and your chosen schools.

From the Desk of Yocket

The ACT scores and results offer insight for both you and colleges in the college admissions process. The composite score provides a standardised metric to assess your academic preparedness across multiple subjects. This allows colleges to compare applicants from different backgrounds and educational systems on a level playing field. Additionally, the separate scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science offer insights into your strengths and weaknesses.

However, it’s important to remember that the ACT is just one component of college admissions. While a good ACT score can enhance an application, it doesn’t define your worth or potential. Colleges also consider factors like high school GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, utilizing resources like Yocket Premium can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the admissions process, helping you present a well-rounded application.