Achieving a High ACT Score

Hi! I'm taking the ACT in a couple of months and aiming for a high score. What does it really take to secure a top score? Do I need to get every question right, or is there a bit of leeway? And how important is speed? Thanks in advance!

Aiming for a high ACT score is a commendable goal. When it comes to securing a top score, understanding the test structure and the scoring is key.

On the ACT, the maximum composite score is 36. This is essentially the average of your scores on the four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each of which is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. You don't necessarily need to earn a perfect raw score in each of these sections to get a 36 composite.

Scoring in the ACT is a bit complex. First, your raw score (total number of questions answered correctly) is calculated for each section. This raw score is then converted to a scaled score (1-36) via a process called equating. The equating process accounts for minor variations in test difficulty from one test administration to another, so a slightly lower raw score on a more difficult test might equate to the same scaled score as a slightly higher raw score on an easier test.

Speed is indeed important. You have a limited time frame to complete each section, and you need to strategize accordingly. For example, in the English section, you have 45 minutes for 75 questions, Math grants you 60 minutes for 60 questions, and both the Reading and Science sections provide 35 minutes for 40 questions each. This requires you to answer questions at a fairly brisk pace while maintaining accuracy.

Equally important is understanding each section's content and structure, as well as mastering strategies like knowing when to guess. Familiarize yourself with the type of questions asked, take timed practice tests to gauge your performance, and adjust your test-taking strategies accordingly.

Remember, scoring high on the ACT is achievable with proper preparation and strategy. Good luck!