Understanding ACT result

So I got my ACT result but I'm a bit confused. Can anybody explain how to read it, like how's it graded and what each score means?

Sure, I can help explain the ACT scoring system!

The ACT test is comprised of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 36.

After you complete the test, each section is graded based on the number of correct responses you've given—it's not a type of test that penalize you for guessing wrong answers. These raw scores are then converted to scale scores for each specific section—this is when they're converted into the 1 to 36 scale.

When you receive your ACT result report, you'll see these individual section scores, and you'll also see a Composite score. This Composite score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

You're likely to also see scores for English Language Arts (an average of English, Reading) and STEM (an average of Math and Science). If you did take the Writing portion, you'll receive a separate score for it on a scale of 2 to 12.

Mind you, the most prominent score, and the one that colleges typically look at most heavily, is the Composite score. As for what's a "good" score — that really depends on the specific schools you're interested in. Generally speaking, a score of 21 is the national average, and a score in the high 20s to mid 30s is considered competitive for many colleges and universities.

In your score report, you might also find the percentiles which compare your score to all the other students who have taken the test. For instance, if your ACT English score is in the 75th percentile, that means you did better than 75% of students who took the test.

I hope this helps clarify things for you. If you have any more queries regarding your ACT score or how to interpret it, feel free to ask!