I know the highest possible SAT score is 1600, but what's the maximum ACT score you can get? Is there any curve or special scaling for the ACT? Just trying to understand how the scoring works so I can set some goals for myself. Thanks!
The maximum ACT score you can achieve is a 36. The ACT is made up of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the average of the four scores equals your composite score.
There is no curve or special scaling applied to the ACT on a test-to-test basis. Rather, the test is designed to be standardized, which means the difficulty level remains consistent across different testing dates. The scores are a reflection of your performance relative to the content of the test, not relative to other test-takers.
As for setting goals, it's important to consider your target colleges' average ACT scores, which can usually be found on their websites or through online resources like CollegeVine. Strive to achieve a score within or above that range to stay competitive in the application process.
To ensure you do as well as possible on the ACT, make sure you take advantage of prep resources, like books or free online sources such as CollegeVine's blog. For example, one of their blog posts that you might find helpful can be found here: https://blog.collegevine.com/top-10-act-tips-for-acing-the-exam
Best of luck in your test prep and college admissions journey!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.