Can someone please clear the air about how ACT tests are scored? Is there any penalty for wrong answers? I want to make an effective test-taking strategy for my upcoming exam. Thanks heaps in advance!
When it comes to ACT scoring, there isn't any penalty for wrong answers, which is a factor in the popular test-taking strategy of always guessing if you're not sure.
Each section of the ACT (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Your raw score for each section is calculated based on the total number of questions you answered correctly in that section. Remember, since there is no penalty for wrong answers, the raw score is essentially just a count of the number of questions you got correct.
Thereafter, your raw score in each section is converted into a scaled score through a process known as equating. The ACT equating process adjusts for slight differences in difficulty among different test dates. This means a score of 30 on one date's test should indicate the same level of ability as a score of 30 on a test taken on a different date.
The four scaled scores are then averaged together to give you your composite score. The composite score is also on a scale of 1 to 36, and it gives colleges a quick overview of your overall performance on the test.
As part of your strategy, you might concentrate your efforts on sections where you feel you can improve the most. Since all sections are equally weighted in the composite score, boosting your score in even one section can have a positive effect on your total result. Good luck with your preparation!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.