Understanding the ACT Composite Score Chart: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. A crucial part of the ACT is the composite score, which represents a student's overall performance on the test. This article aims to explain the ACT composite score chart, its calculation, interpretation, and significance in the college admissions process.

What is the ACT Composite Score Chart?

The ACT composite score chart consolidates individual scores from the four subject sections of the test: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. The composite score, also ranging from 1 to 36, is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

How the Composite Score is Calculated

To calculate the composite score, add the scores from the four sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) and divide the sum by four. The result is then rounded to the nearest whole number. Fractions of 0.5 or higher are rounded up, and fractions less than 0.5 are rounded down.

For example, if a student scores 28 in English, 32 in Mathematics, 27 in Reading, and 31 in Science, the composite score is calculated as follows:

(28 + 32 + 27 + 31) / 4 = 29.5

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Rounded to the nearest whole number, the composite score is 30.

Purposes of the ACT Composite Score

The ACT composite score serves several main purposes:

Overall Performance Snapshot

It provides a quick overview of a student's overall performance on the ACT. Colleges can quickly assess a student's general academic ability before examining subject-specific scores.

Goal Setting

The composite score can help students set goals if they plan to retake the ACT. It serves as a baseline for improvement. For example, if a student's initial score is 28 and the target score is 32, they know they need to improve by approximately 4 points. This can be broken down into how much improvement is needed in each section, based on individual section scores.

Comparison Tool

The composite score is a useful tool for comparing a student's performance to the average scores of admitted students at different colleges. Many colleges publish the average or middle 50% ACT composite score range for their admitted students. Comparing a student's composite score to these ranges can help gauge how competitive their score is for those colleges.

Read also: ACT Composite Score Explained

For instance, if a college's middle 50% ACT composite score range is 30-34, and a student has a score of 32, it means the student falls within the middle of the range and can be reasonably confident that their score is competitive at that institution.

Components of the ACT Score Report

An ACT score report provides a wealth of information about a student's performance. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

Composite Score and Section Scores

The first thing you’ll see on your ACT score report is a chart with your composite score and section scores.

Composite Score: Your overall ACT score, which is the average of your four main section scores (Math, Science, English, and Reading).
English: Your score on the English section, out of a possible 36 points.
Math: Your score on the Math section, out of a possible 36 points.
Reading: Your score on the Reading section, out of a possible 36 points.
Science: Your score on the Science section, out of a possible 36 points.
Writing (if taken): Your score on the essay section, if you took it.
ELA (if Writing Test taken): You’ll only get an ELA score if you took the Writing Test.

Reporting Category Scores

All four multiple-choice ACT sections also involve scores for various reporting categories that assess specific skills within those assessments.

The English section has three reporting categories: Production of Writing, Knowledge of Language, and Conventions of Standard English.
The Math, Science, and Reading sections have a total of eight, four, and four reporting categories respectively.

Reporting category scores are given purely in terms of the number of correct answers out of the total number of questions in each category, which is also presented as a percentage (e.g. 6 correct out of 12 Production of Writing questions for 50%).

Read also: ACT Writing and Composite Scores

Percentile Rankings

Through the percentile rankings, students can easily compare their performance to that of their peers, both in their home states and throughout the country. Percentile rankings are given at the state and national levels for ACT composite scores as well as the following skill areas: Math, Science, STEM, English, Reading, Writing, and ELA.

The STEM ranking is based on a given student's ACT Math and Science scores, while the ELA ranking is calculated from his or her English, Reading, and Writing Scores.

College Readiness Benchmarks

ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks are defined as ACT scores associated with a 50% chance or higher of receiving at least a C in a related college course or a 75% chance or higher of receiving at least a B. The current ACT benchmarks are 18 (English), 22 (Math), 22 (Reading), 23 (Science), 20 (ELA), and 26 (STEM). There is no benchmark for composite scores.

Student score reports include graphic representations that compare their performance to all of these benchmarks. Reporting category scores also show the "ACT Readiness Range," which is the range of scores typically received by students who have met the benchmark for that section.

Understanding Your Rank

Your ranks show how you performed compared to recent high school graduates who took the ACT. Knowing how you did compared to other students can give you context on your performance, but it won’t tell you how much your score will help you in achieving your college goals.

Interpreting ACT Scores

Understanding how to interpret ACT scores can help students prepare for the test more efficiently, especially after taking practice tests. The scaled scores for each section immediately tell you which sections you performed strongest and weakest in.

Score Ranges and What They Mean

1-20 (Below Average): Scores in this range may indicate a need for significant improvement in the relevant subject areas.
21-23 (Average/Above Average): This range typically includes the national average and extends slightly above it.
24-30 (Good/Competitive): A score in this range can be competitive, especially for less selective colleges.
31-36 (Excellent/Highly Competitive): Scores in this range place a student among the top performers nationally.

Percentiles: Contextualizing Your Performance

ACT score percentiles are determined by comparing your score to the scores of a large, representative sample of students who have taken the test over a recent three-year period - what ACT calls National Ranks. If you receive a composite score of 24, for example, and it falls in the 74th percentile, it means that you scored equal to or better than 74% of the students in that group.

Percentiles are a relative measure. A 30 composite might be in the 94th percentile, while a 30 in the reading section might be in the 89th percentile.

It contextualizes your performance. Your raw score (e.g., a 25) doesn’t tell you how well you did compared to others. The percentile gives that vital comparative information.
It informs your college admissions strategy. If your score is below the 25th percentile, it means a large percentage of admitted students scored higher than you.
It helps you set realistic goals.
It helps you identify strengths and weaknesses (subscores). While colleges primarily focus on the composite score, your score report also includes percentiles for each section.

Understanding the Score Report Details

The ACT score reports provide test-takers with a great deal of information about their performance. Students receive separate scores for each multiple-choice section of the ACT, a composite ACT score, writing scores, reporting category scores, percentile rankings at the state and national levels, and College Readiness Benchmark indicators.

Scores for all four multiple-choice sections of the exam (English, Reading, Math, and Science) are reported on a scale of 1 to 36 in whole numbers only. This is what is known as a "scaled score," which is calculated from the total number of correct answers (or "raw scores").

ACT scales sectional scores to account for slight differences in the difficulty level of a given ACT administration. This means that the same number of correct answers can result in different scaled scores on different versions of the ACT. For example, on some ACTs, a student must answer all 60 Math questions correctly to receive a perfect scaled section score of 36, while on others, 57 correct answers will earn the same scaled score.

The Significance of ACT Scores in College Admissions

ACT scores are important for college admissions for several reasons:

Standardized Comparison

They provide a standardized measure to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. High schools across the country vary greatly in their curricula, grading standards, and academic rigor. An A at one school might represent a different level of achievement than an A at another. Additionally, a high ACT score can validate a strong GPA, indicating that the student excels academically in a rigorous environment. And while a strong ACT score does not offset a low GPA entirely, it does suggest that the student has the academic potential even if their grades don’t fully reflect it.

Academic Readiness

Your scores also help admissions committees determine your academic readiness for college and are often used for course placement and awarding merit scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores as one indicator of a student’s readiness for college-level coursework and their likelihood of success in a demanding academic environment.

Holistic Review

Most competitive colleges employ a holistic review process. This means that while ACT scores are important, they are rarely the sole factor in admissions decisions.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Many colleges and universities use ACT scores as a primary criterion for awarding merit-based scholarships. You can submit your ACT score for merit scholarships, which are awarded based on your achievements.

Institutional (college-specific): These scholarships are often part of a college’s recruitment strategy.
State-sponsored: Many states have programs that offer scholarships to their residents based on academic achievement, including ACT scores.
National Merit Scholarships: While primarily based on the PSAT/NMSQT, becoming a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist often requires a qualifying score on the PSAT and then a strong confirming SAT or ACT score.
Private organization scholarships: Numerous foundations, corporations, non-profits, and community organizations offer scholarships. Many of these include ACT scores as part of their eligibility criteria.

Colleges and organizations may have different processes for determining scholarship eligibility based on ACT scores. In general, a higher score - often in combination with a strong GPA and/or class rank - will provide more scholarship opportunities. At some colleges, you may be automatically considered for scholarships upon admission if you meet the test score and GPA criteria. Some scholarships require a minimum composite ACT score (and often a minimum GPA) that you must achieve to even be considered or to automatically receive a specific award amount. Some scholarships are tiered systems, meaning that the scholarship amount corresponds to your ACT score and GPA. For the most prestigious or largest scholarships (e.g., full-ride competitive scholarships), the process may be like a holistic review for admission.

Improving Your ACT Score

Effective ACT score improvement strategies include creating a study plan, mastering time management and pacing, and addressing knowledge gaps.

Effective Preparation Strategies

Effective ACT preparation goes beyond simply memorizing facts. It involves a combination of content review, strategic practice, and test-taking skills.

Start early and create a personalized study plan. Begin by taking a full-length, official ACT practice test under timed conditions. This identifies your starting score and pinpoints your strongest and weakest areas across all sections. Based on your baseline and research into your target colleges’ average scores, set a realistic target score.
Utilize official ACT prep materials.
Content Review:
- English: Review fundamental grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetoric, and organization rules.
- Math: Systematically review algebra, geometry, and trigonometry concepts. Memorize key formulas. Practice specific problem types.
- Reading: Focus on active reading techniques to identify main ideas, author’s purpose, tone, and specific details.
- Science: Understand that this section primarily tests data interpretation, graph analysis, and scientific reasoning, not advanced scientific knowledge.
Practice time management. The ACT is a fast-paced test. During practice, strictly adhere to time limits for each section. Learn how to pace and guess strategically.
Analyze mistakes thoroughly. For every question you get wrong (or even guessed on), don’t just look at the correct answer. Meticulously review every question you got wrong, and those you guessed on or found difficult. Identify patterns, such as content gaps, careless errors, or time management issues.
Consider tutoring.
Take multiple practice tests. Aim for at least 3-5 full-length practice tests before the actual exam. Take ACT practice tests to work on pacing. If a question is taking too long, mark it and move on. You can come back to it once you’re at the end of the section.
Prioritize well-being. Get adequate sleep, eat healthy, and manage stress in the weeks leading up to the test. A clear mind performs better. The best way to improve your score is to pay attention and excel in your regular high school courses.

Retaking the ACT

Many students improve their scores on a second attempt, but we recommend no more than two retakes.

Key Skills Assessed in Each Section

English: Measures your understanding of standard written English and rhetorical skills and assesses your ability to effectively convey ideas and information. You’ll read several prose passages with certain words or phrases underlined or highlighted.
Math: Measures mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of concepts typically learned up to the beginning of pre-calculus. The format consists of all multiple-choice questions that range in difficulty.
Reading: Measures your reading comprehension skills, including the ability to understand main ideas, locate and interpret details, draw inferences, understand cause-effect relationships, and analyze an author’s purpose and style.
Optional science test: Measures your ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and reason with scientific information presented in various formats, not your recall of specific scientific facts (though basic science knowledge can sometimes be helpful). While the topics can be from biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics, the test primarily assesses scientific reasoning skills.
Optional writing test: Measures your ability to analyze an issue, develop a perspective, and effectively communicate your ideas in an essay. It assesses argumentative writing skills. You’ll be given a prompt that presents a complex issue and three different perspectives on it. Your task is to analyze these perspectives, articulate your own position, and support it with logical reasoning and examples.

ACT vs. SAT

It can be tough to decide whether to take the ACT or SAT, but it ultimately comes down to which test is a better fit for you. Most colleges accept both the ACT and SAT equally, with no preference. While you can submit both SAT and ACT scores to colleges, we highly recommend that you focus only on one test. Once you determine which test is better for you, you can work on achieving the strongest score possible.

ACT Score Conversion to Class Grades

Many people find it difficult to understand their ACT score because the exam doesn't use the same kinds of grades your classes do. For each section of the ACT, the lowest score you can get is a 1, and the highest score you can get is a 36. The ACT contains four required sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, and scores from each of those sections are then averaged to get a total composite score for the entire exam.

The table below maps ACT scores to numerical and letter class grades, providing a rough idea of what letter grade or percentage you would have gotten on the ACT if the exam had used those types of scoring methods.

The table converts ACT scores to class grades based on percentiles. These percentiles were calculated based on scores of previous ACT exam-takers. The class grades percentiles were based on a large academic survey of grading trends in college (which typically closely match high school grades).

At the top of the ACT scale, a 36 and a 28 are 8 points apart, yet, after the conversion, they all map to an A+. This is due to the fact that classes often don't do a great job of differentiating between great students and truly stand-out ones. In a hypothetical class of 20 students, you might have two people earn an A+. If that same class represented all the students in the US, only two would score a 28 or above on the ACT.

Both class grades and ACT scores do a good job of resolving middle-of-the-pack students. If you go from an ACT score of 13 to a 22 -- just a range of 9 -- that's equivalent to going from a straight D to an A-. For students who are about average in their class or a bit below, both ACT scores and class grades have solid resolution.

ACTs and school classes don't test the same thing. The ACT is a multiple-choice exam taken in one sitting. Classes, on the other hand, require hours of learning and schoolwork over a long period of time. Additionally, you take the ACT alone, but in your classes you work with teachers and classmates every day.

Class grades aren't as rigorous as the ACT. If you got an A- in a class, if half the class got an A or an A+, then your A- would be considered a bad grade. Conversely, if you were the only person to get an A in that class all year, that A- would be a great grade.

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