The ACT grading system uses a scaled scoring range for each section, and the scores are then combined to create a composite score. Here’s an overview of how the ACT is graded and what the grading chart looks like:
ACT Scoring Overview:
The ACT consists of four main sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) and an optional Writing section. Each of the four main sections is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Your composite score is the average of your four section scores (rounded to the nearest whole number). The optional Writing score is reported separately and does not affect your composite score.
ACT Section Scores:
- English Section: Scored from 1 to 36. This section tests your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
- Math Section: Scored from 1 to 36. This section covers topics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Reading Section: Scored from 1 to 36. This section assesses your reading comprehension skills, including understanding main ideas, themes, and details from passages.
- Science Section: Scored from 1 to 36. This section tests your ability to interpret data, analyze scientific experiments, and evaluate scientific information.
ACT Composite Score:
- The composite score is the average of the four section scores.
- For example, if you score 30 in English, 28 in Math, 32 in Reading, and 34 in Science, your composite score would be:
- (30 + 28 + 32 + 34) ÷ 4 = 31 (rounded to the nearest whole number).
- The composite score is reported on a scale of 1 to 36.
ACT Scoring Chart (Sample):
| Section | Score Range | Percentile Rank |
| English | 1–36 | 20–85% (varies by score) |
| Math | 1–36 | 20–85% (varies by score) |
| Reading | 1–36 | 20–85% (varies by score) |
| Science | 1–36 | 20–85% (varies by score) |
| Composite Score | 1–36 | 20–99% (varies by score) |
ACT Percentile Ranks:
- Your percentile rank shows how your score compares to that of other test-takers. For example:
- Score of 36: 99th percentile (top 1% of test-takers)
- Score of 30: around the 93rd percentile (top 7% of test-takers)
- Score of 25: around the 75th percentile (top 25% of test-takers)
ACT Writing (Essay) Scoring:
- The Writing section is scored on a scale of 2 to 12.
- This score is separate from the composite score.
- Scores of 2-12 are given for each of the three areas:
- Ideas and Analysis
- Development and Support
- Organization
- These scores are averaged to give your final Writing score.
ACT Score Interpretation (General Guidelines):
- Below 20: Considered low and may limit your options for more competitive colleges.
- 20–24: Average to above-average; may be acceptable for many state universities.
- 25–29: Strong score; competitive for most schools.
- 30–34: Excellent score; competitive for top schools.
- 35–36: Exceptional score; competitive for the most selective schools (Ivy League, top-tier universities).
ACT Score Ranges for College Admissions (Approximate):
- Ivy League Schools & Highly Selective Universities: 32-36
- Top-Tier Colleges: 30-34
- State Universities & Public Colleges: 20-30
- Less Competitive Colleges: 16-22
ACT Scoring Process:
- Raw Scores: Your raw score is the number of correct answers you have in each section.
- Scaled Scores: Your raw score is converted to a scaled score using a statistical process to account for differences in difficulty between test versions.
- Composite Score: The scaled scores for the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections are averaged to form your composite score.
ACT Score Reporting:
- Score Reports: After you take the ACT, your scores will be reported to you within 2–8 weeks. You can also send scores directly to colleges from your ACT account.
- Score Choice: Some colleges allow you to choose which scores to send, while others require all scores to be submitted.
If you have specific questions about interpreting your scores or want tips for improving a particular section, feel free to ask!
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