Hi fellow juniors! I'm a bit confused about the ACT scoring system. How is the composite score calculated, and what's the maximum score for each section? Do colleges typically focus on the composite score, or do they look at individual section scores alongside it? Any help would be appreciated!
Hi there! The ACT scoring system can be a bit confusing at first, but I'm here to help break it down for you.
The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section has a maximum possible score of 36. The composite score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. So, if you scored 30 on English, 32 on Math, 34 on Reading, and 33 on Science, your composite score would be (30+32+34+33)/4 = 32.25, which would round up to a composite score of 32. Keep in mind that the maximum composite score is 36, which means you have aced every section.
As for what colleges focus on, they primarily look at your composite score since it provides an overall evaluation of your performance on the ACT. However, they'll also consider your individual section scores, especially if you're applying to a program that emphasizes a specific subject area. For instance, if you're applying for an engineering program, the Math and Science sections might carry more weight, whereas the English and Reading sections might be more relevant for a humanities major. It's essential to perform well in each section, but if you have a target program or major in mind, you might want to pay extra attention to the relevant sections to tailor your scores towards your future goals.
Good luck with your test prep, and I hope this helps clarify the ACT scoring system for you!
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