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ACT Scoring Changes - When?

Okay, so I've heard that the ACT scoring system changed from a 32 to a 36 point scale, but when did that actually happen? Trying to figure stuff out for my siblings and I've realized I don't know much about it. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance!

5 months ago

The ACT switched to a 36-point scale a while back--the change was implemented in 1989. Prior to that, the ACT was scored out of 32 points. So, if you remember a 32-point scale, you've been out of the loop for quite awhile!

But don't worry, the change was merely to the scoring scale, not the content or the difficulty of the test itself. What this means for your siblings is that they would aim for a perfect score of 36 rather than 32. It might be beneficial for your siblings to also understand that the ACT composite score is the average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), which are also out of 36 points.

Remember: batch of practice tests and proper study habits are the keys to success, regardless of the score scale!

5 months ago

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