Decoding the ACT Composite Score Chart

Hey everyone, quick question. Can anyone explain what exactly the ACT composite score chart is and how to interpret it? Thanks in advance!

The ACT composite score chart is essentially a tool that consolidates your individual scores from the four subjects sections of the ACT test: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The individual section scores range from 1 to 36. The composite, or overall, ACT score is also between 1 and 36, and it represents the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

For example, if you get scores of 28 in English, 32 in Mathematics, 27 in Reading, and 31 in Science, your composite score would be the average of these four scores. In this case, it would be (28 + 32 + 27 + 31) / 4 = 29.5. When this is rounded to the nearest whole number, it becomes a composite score of 30.

The ACT composite score chart is used for a few main purposes. Firstly, it provides a glance at your overall performance. Colleges can quickly assess your overall ability before delving into your subject-specific scores.

Also, the composite score chart can help you set goals for future scores. If you plan to retake the ACT, use your composite score as a baseline. For instance, if your target is a 32 and your initial score is 28, you know you'll need to improve by roughly 4 points. You can then break this down into how much you need to improve in each section, based on your individual section scores.

Finally, the composite score is a good comparison tool. Many colleges publish the average or middle 50% ACT composite score range for their admitted students. You can compare your composite score to these ranges to gauge how competitive your ACT score is for those colleges. For instance, if a college's middle 50% ACT composite score is 30-34, and you have a score of 32, it means you fall right in the middle of the range. You can be fairly confident your score is competitive at that particular institution.

Remember, though, that while your ACT score is important, it's just one factor among many that colleges consider in their holistic review of your application. Keep working on other aspects of your application as well, such as your GPA, course rigor, essays, and extracurriculars.