What's the ACT score conversion process?

Hi all, recently got my ACT scores and I'm quite curious about this ACT score conversion process. Can my ACT score be converted into other standardized test results, particularly the SAT? How does this process work exactly? Insights would be greatly appreciated, cheers!

Absolutely, your ACT score can indeed be converted to give an approximate equivalent SAT score. This conversion process is based on the concordance tables created and updated by the College Board and ACT, Inc., organizations responsible for conducting the SAT and ACT standardized tests respectively.

For example, an ACT score of 36 corresponds to an SAT score range of 1570–1600. An ACT score of 30 correlates to an SAT score between 1330 and 1350. Keep in mind that these conversions are informative and not definitive since both tests have different formats and stress varying skills. The concordance is statistical and not equivalent - it shows how students tend to score on each test, on average.

Remember, however, that colleges are aware of these conversions, so students should feel comfortable sending scores from whichever test they feel they did their best on, whether ACT or SAT. It's also important to know that colleges really have no test preference, as long as the test aligns with how it ranks within their admissions standards. They generally look at the higher result when both are submitted.

But, before you depend heavily on this, it might be worthwhile to check if the colleges you're aiming for have specific preferences for the ACT and SAT. You can generally find this information on the college's admissions website or you might consider contacting the admissions office directly. Happy planning!