Confusion about ACT results

Hi there. I just received my ACT score report and, being the first time I've taken it, I'm a little lost interpreting the results. Could someone break down what all the different sections mean and how they contribute to my composite score?

Sure, happy to help clarify this for you! You'll find several scores on your ACT score report. Let's break them down:

- Composite score: This is the overall score you receive on your ACT, and it's the one that colleges often focus on during the admissions process. Your Composite score is the average of your four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), rounded to the nearest whole number. So, if your section scores were 24, 26, 25, and 27, your composite score would be 26.

- Section scores: Each section of the ACT (English, Math, Reading, and Science) is scored out of a maximum of 36 points. The questions you answer correctly in each section determine your raw score, which is then converted into a scaled score from 1 to 36. This conversion can vary slightly between different test dates.

- Subscores: For the English and Math sections, you'll also see subscores ranging from 1 to 18. These don't factor into your overall composite score but give you an idea of how you performed on specific content areas within those sections. In the English section, you'll get subscores for Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills. In the Math section, you'll get subscores for Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry, and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry.

- Writing score (if you took the optional writing section): If you chose to take the optional Writing section, you'll receive a score out of 12. This is separate from your composite score and doesn't impact it. It's evaluated by two graders who each provide a score from 1 to 6, and these scores are combined to give your total Writing score.

Remember, while a high composite score is important, colleges typically look at your individual section scores as well to determine your strengths and potential areas of improvement. They might also consider your subscores to gain a more in-depth understanding of your academic capabilities. For instance, an engineering program may weigh your Math and Science scores more heavily in their admissions decision.

Don't stress too much about low subscores, though. This can be helpful information for your personal improvement and can guide your future study plans. You're showing initiative in understanding your results, which will serve you well in preparing for future exams!