The American College Testing (ACT) and the resultant ACT score are part of the admission process in the colleges of the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination. However, a good ACT score strengthens the college application and elevates the chances of getting admitted into the institutions students aim for.
The ACT covers four academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. It also includes an optional writing test. The composite score ranges from 1 to 36. Many colleges use this score to evaluate a student's readiness for college-level work and to compare applicants. Preparing well for the ACT can significantly impact scholarship opportunities and placement in advanced courses.
The exam is conducted by a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization under the same name– ACT. It is a curriculum-based, standardized test that evaluates the candidates' mathematical, written, scientific, and verbal skills. There are four main sections of the ACT exam: Maths, English, Reading, and Science. The final or composite ACT score will be an average of these four section scores. Candidates can also appear for the ACT's optional writing test, which doesn't impact the composite score.
ACT Average Score
Here is the ACT score chart below highlighting the average numbers– ACT total score/ composite score for the students who appeared for the exam in 2023:
ACT average score - 2023
Number of test-takers
1,386,335
English
18.6
Math
19
Reading
20.1
Science
19.6
Composite
19.5
ACT Exam Sections and Scoring
Having a thorough understanding of ACT sections and scoring can significantly enhance your chances of pursuing an education abroad in the USA. As mentioned above, the ACT exam has four different sections– English, Math, Science, and Reading. But what is the highest score on the ACT? The four sections are marked out of 36 points each, with 1 being the lowest and 36 being the upper limit. Furthermore, the section-wise question numbers and reporting categories in the ACT exam are as follows:
Subject
Questions
Reporting Categories
English
75
Production of Writing (29-32%), Knowledge of the Language (13-19%), Conventions of Standard English (51-56%)
Mathematics
60
Preparing for Higher Math (57-60%), Integrating Essential Skills (40-43%)
Reading
40
Key Ideas and Details (55-60%), Craft and Structure (25-30%), Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13-18%)
Science
40
Scientific Investigation (20-30%), Data Interpretation (45-55%), Evaluation of Inferences, Models, and Experimental Results (25-35%)
Scoring of the Writing Test
The scoring process for the writing section is more complicated. Anyone who takes up the ACT plus writing exam, including the essay that needs to be written, will be re-evaluated by two different readers.
These two readers will score the essay on a scale of 1 to 6 based on four areas where cogency holds the most significant importance. Candidates will be assessed on the skill to stitch lines of reasoning together into a coherent and compelling essay.
Additionally, it is to be noted that the evaluators are not looking for an excellently written specimen but a well-put-up first draft.
The syllabus of the ACT focuses on four sections. We will be discussing each section and the syllabus under the same.
English
The English section consists of five passages with 75 multiple-choice questions. The questions are mainly detail-based/big-picture-based, concerning the entire passage or a particular passage.
The evaluators are testing two essential skills of the students through the English section– Usage and Mechanics skills along with the Rhetorical skills.
Usage and Mechanics will access you according to your grammar rules– punctuation and sentence structure. On the other hand, Rhetorical skills are connected to the comprehension of a passage or the abstract understanding of the same.
Mathematics
The mathematics section consists of the below-mentioned topics:
Pre-algebra
Elementary algebra
Intermediate algebra
Coordinate geometry
Plane geometry
Trigonometry
Reading
The reading section will have four different passages, amounting to 40 multiple-choice questions. These passages will represent four major areas: Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science, and Literary Fiction.
Science
The science section deals with the topics in conjunction with Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Biology. You will have seven passages in this section with 40 multiple-choice questions.
These passages will be presented with varied diagrams like charts, tables, and graphs. You will not be accessed based on learning the scientific facts and figures. Instead, the application and reasoning will be questioned.
Furthermore, data representation questions in the ACT exam will check your ability to understand scatter plots, tables, or graphs clubbed with your usage of the presented information.
Additionally, in these questions, research summaries will assess your understanding of the design of experiments and associated results, as told in the passage. Similarly, conflicting viewpoints test your ability to reason out different opinions.
ACT Score Range
The ACT score range (both composite score and every test score– English, Reading, Math, and Science) will range from 1 (ACT lowest score) to 36 (ACT highest score). The fractions below one-half will be rounded down, whereas the one-half or more fractions will be rounded up.
Universities Accepting Top Scores for ACT
We have listed the top 20 American universities and their average score requirements for the ACT exam for your reference:
University
Average Composite ACT Score
Princeton University
34-35
Harvard University
34
Columbia University
34-35
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
34-36
Yale University
32-36
Stanford University
Not Required
University of Chicago
21-36
University of Pennsylvania
Not Required
California Institute of Technology
Not Available
Johns Hopkins University
34-35
Northwestern University
Not Required
Duke University
34-36
Dartmouth College
32-35
Brown University
34-36
Vanderbilt University
Not Required
Rice University
34-36
Washington University
31 and above
Cornell University
Optional/Not Required
University of Notre Dame
33-35
How to Check ACT Results 2024
To access your ACT results for 2024, follow these steps from the official ACT website:
1. Visit the ACT Website: Go to the official ACT website at www.act.org.
2. Log In to Your Account: Click on the "MyACT" portal link and enter your username and password. If you don't have an account, create one using the email you provided during registration.
3. Navigate to Your Scores: Once logged in, find and select the "Scores" tab on your dashboard.
4. View Your Scores: Your latest ACT scores will be displayed. You can also view scores from previous tests.
5. Download or Print: For a hard copy, use the download or print options available.
6. Contact ACT Support: If you encounter issues accessing your scores, contact ACT customer support for assistance.
How is Act Exam Scored
The ACT exam scoring process involves several steps:
1. Raw Scores:
Each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) is scored based on the number of correct answers.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
2. Scaled Scores:
Raw scores are converted to scaled scores ranging from 1 to 36 for each section.
The scaling process adjusts for slight variations in difficulty among different test versions.
3. Composite Score:
The composite score is the average of the four section scores.
It also ranges from 1 to 36 and is rounded to the nearest whole number.
4. Writing Score (Optional):
If you take the ACT with Writing, you'll receive a separate Writing score ranging from 2 to 12.
This score does not affect your composite score but is reported alongside it.
Section
Raw Score Range
Scaled Score Range
English
0-75
1-36
Math
0-60
1-36
Reading
0-40
1-36
Science
0-40
1-36
Composite
Average of four sections
1-36
How to Send ACT Scores to Colleges
To send your ACT scores to colleges, follow these steps from the official ACT website:
1. During Registration: When registering for the ACT, you can select up to four colleges to receive your scores for free.
2. After the Test:
Log in to your MyACT account on the official ACT website.
Navigate to the "Scores" section on your dashboard.
3. Select Score Reports:
Choose "Send Your Scores" and then select the test date for the scores you want to send.
Add the colleges or scholarship programs you wish to send your scores to.
4. Pay for Additional Reports:
There is a fee for each additional score report sent beyond the four free ones provided at registration.
Complete the payment process online.
5. Check Deadlines: Ensure you are aware of college application deadlines to make sure your scores arrive on time.
Conclusion
The ACT is a crucial component of the college application process in the United States, offering a standardized measure of students' academic abilities across English, Math, Reading, and Science. Understanding the scoring process, including the optional writing section, helps students target their preparation effectively, while sending scores to colleges requires strategic planning, especially considering the application deadlines. By securing a strong ACT score, you can significantly enhance your chances of admission to top universities. For those of you aiming to study abroad, diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the ACT structure can help you achieve your academic goals and pave the way for a successful college journey.
Disclaimer - ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT, Inc. ACT, Inc. is not involved with or affiliated with upgradabroad.com, nor does ACT, Inc. endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by upgradabroad.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACT?
American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test used for admission to most colleges and universities in the USA. The ACT is administered by ACT, a non-profit organization of the same name. There are four main sections of the ACT exam: Maths, English, Reading, and Science.
What is an ACT score?
The ACT exam has four sections– English, Math, Science, and Reading. The four sections are marked out of 36 points each, with 1 being the lowest and 36 being the upper limit. A high ACT score increases a candidate's chance of getting into selective colleges. Generally, a good ACT score is anything above 24.
What is a good ACT score?
The ACT exam has four sections– English, Math, Science, and Reading. The four sections are marked out of 36 points each, with 1 as the lowest and 36 being the upper limit. Scoring a high ACT score increases a candidate's chance of getting into selective colleges. Generally, a good ACT score is anything above 24.
What are the sections of ACT?
The ACT exam has four sections– English, Math, Science, and Reading. The four sections are marked out of 36 points each, with 1 being the lowest and 36 being the upper limit.
Who is eligible for the ACT exam?
Any high school student is eligible to take the ACT exam. It is typically taken by 11th and 12th graders, but there are no age or grade restrictions, making it accessible to all students, including those in international locations like India.
What is the ACT fee in India?
As of 2025, the ACT fee for Indian students is $69 (₹5,727) without the writing section and $94 (₹7,800) with the writing section. Additional fees may apply for late registration or test center changes.
Is ACT easy for Indian students?
The ACT's difficulty varies among individuals. Indian students might find it manageable with good preparation, especially in math and science, which are strengths for many Indian students. The English and Reading sections might be challenging due to language nuances.
What is the total duration of the ACT?
The ACT exam is 2 hours and 55 minutes long without the writing section. If the optional writing section is included, the total test duration extends to 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Which one is better, the SAT or the ACT?
There is no definitive answer; it depends on the student's strengths. The SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing, while the ACT includes a science section and tends to be faster-paced. Students should consider taking practice tests to determine which suits them better.
What is the highest possible ACT score?
The highest possible composite ACT score is 36. Achieving this score places a student in the top 1% of test-takers, significantly boosting their college application profile.
Is 20 a good ACT score?
A score of 20 on the ACT is considered average, as it falls near the national median. While it may be sufficient for some colleges, but more competitive institutions typically require higher scores.
What is the difference between the ACT and the SAT Exam?
The ACT includes sections on English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section, whereas the SAT has sections on evidence-based reading, writing, and math, with an optional essay. The SAT emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, while the ACT is more straightforward and faster-paced.
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Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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