What's the lowest ACT score possible?

I've just started studying for the ACT, and I'm curious to know what is the lowest ACT score possible? Is it a 1? Also, what would colleges consider as a 'low' ACT score?

The lowest possible composite ACT score is 1, though it's extremely rare for anyone to score that low. The test measures your performance in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with the scores for each section ranging from 1 to 36. Your composite score is the average of these four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

As for what colleges consider a "low" ACT score, it really depends on the specific institution and their admission standards. In general, a score below 20 is often seen as low, since it falls below the national average of around 21. However, some less competitive colleges may accept lower scores, while more selective colleges usually expect scores in the higher range (28 and above).

When researching colleges, look for their middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students. This will give you an idea of the score range typically accepted by that institution. Keep in mind that a low ACT score doesn't automatically disqualify you from consideration, as many colleges use a holistic admissions process and consider factors beyond test scores, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.