Importance of ACT Sections: Which is Most Important to Colleges?

As I'm studying for the ACT, I'm wondering if there's a specific section that colleges focus on more. Can someone shed some light on which ACT section is generally considered most important to colleges?

Colleges generally consider each section of the ACT to be equally important and typically look at your composite score, which is the average of your scores on all four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. It's important to perform well across all sections since they collectively demonstrate your skills in multiple academic areas.

However, the relevance of specific sections may slightly vary based on the major you're applying for. For instance, if you're planning to major in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), colleges may place a bit more emphasis on your Math and Science scores. Conversely, if you're applying for a humanities or social sciences program, your English and Reading scores might receive a little more attention.

Still, it's crucial to understand that variance in section importance isn't significant. No single section can drastically boost or detract from your application. Colleges are interested in students who show balanced academic strengths, so it would be a great strategy to focus on improving your scores across all sections of the ACT.

Remember, the ACT is only one component of your application. Other factors, like your high school GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation, also play a key role in your college admissions process. Strive to show excellence in all aspects of your application for the best results.