Does anyone have a good resource for a chart or something that explains what a good 'math' score on the ACT would be? I just got my scores back and I'm not sure if my math score is competitive or not. Thank you!
The ACT Math section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the national average is typically around 20-21. If your goal is to attend a highly selective university, aim for a score of at least 30, which places you around the top 10% of test takers. However, it is equally important to consider the average scores of students admitted into the colleges you're interested in. For instance, at Ivy League and other top-tier institutions, the middle 50% ACT Math scores generally range from 30 to 35.
Remember that these are just guidelines and the entire application, including factors like your high school GPA, the rigor of your coursework, and your extracurricular involvement, is also considered. The scores I mentioned are not strict cut-offs or guarantees of admission.
Your Math score in conjunction with the other section scores forms your composite ACT score. Although every college gives holistic consideration to applications, for the most part, they are more concerned with your composite ACT score than the individual section scores. That doesn't mean section scores don't matter. A strong Math score may be especially important if you're considering a major in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
You can also use the ACT/SAT concordance tables to understand better how your ACT scores compare to equivalent SAT scores. This might prove helpful if you're trying to decipher which test puts you in the best light, or you're trying to understand your scores in the context of a mainly SAT-taking peer group. These tables are readily available online on the ACT's official website.
If you're not satisfied with your Math score, I'd encourage you to consider retaking the ACT, after spending additional time preparing for the Math section. Utilizing ACT-specific review books, online resources, and if possible, the help of a tutor or prep program, could be particularly beneficial in upping your Math score.
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