Hey, I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out the ACT reading scoring chart. Can anybody help explain how it works? Like, what's considered a good score and how does it correlate to the number of questions answered correctly? Thanks!
Sure, I'd be happy to help explain the ACT reading scoring chart! The ACT Reading section consists of 40 questions, and you have 35 minutes to complete this part of the test. Your raw score for the section is calculated by counting the number of questions you answered correctly.
Then, your raw score is converted to a scaled score, which ranges from 1 to 36. This conversion is done using a table provided by ACT, Inc., which can change slightly from test to test. These tables are created based on a statistical method called equating, which helps ensure that ACT scores are consistent across multiple test administrations.
The ACT's goal is that, for example, a 29 earned in 2024 reflects the same mastery of the material as a 29 earned in 2023, even though the actual tests were different. For more information about how scaling works on the ACT in general, including on the Reading section, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-does-the-scoring-curve-work-for-the-act
As for what constitutes a good score, the national average for the ACT Reading section is around 21. A score above 24 would place you in the top 25% of test-takers nationally, while a score of 30 or above would put you in the top 5%. Of course, the definition of a "good" score ultimately depends on your personal goals and the colleges you're targeting. Some universities have higher average ACT scores for admitted students, and others might have lower averages.
To give you an idea of the score conversion: if you answer 30 out of 40 questions correctly, your scaled score may be around a 24 (depending on the specific test). Keep in mind that the conversion may vary slightly from one test administration to another, but that's a general benchmark.
To improve your ACT Reading score, focus on practicing reading comprehension and time management strategies. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and passages you'll encounter on the test, and work on your ability to process information quickly and accurately.
Good luck with your ACT prep!
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