

These numbers were gathered based on all test-takers of those class years. Average ACT Composite (Total) Score: 20.8.Recently, the ACT released a report that outlined the national average ACT scores based on data collected from the high school Classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019:

If your section scores are below these benchmarks, you should consider retaking the ACT. While most colleges don’t have a minimum required ACT score, there are official ACT benchmark scores that indicate your ability to succeed in college coursework: For instance, a score of 30 is generally in the 95th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 95% of test takers (percentiles may vary slightly based on how other test takers perform in a given year). Keep in mind that the sub-scores on the various sections of the test don’t simply add up to your composite score.Īlong with your own score, you will also see a corresponding percentile showing how you did in comparison to other students. You will also receive a STEM score based on your Math and Science sub-scores and an ELA (English and Language Arts) score based on your English, Reading, and Writing scores. Only the English, Math, Reading, and Science scores are used to calculate your composite score, which is the average of those section scores, rounded up or down to the nearest integer.įor the Writing section, two graders score your essay on a scale of 1-6, and the scores are added together. English, Math, Reading, and Science are also graded on a 1-36 scale, and the Writing section (which is optional, but required by most top colleges) is graded on a 2-12 scale. Your report will also show your sub-scores for each of the five sections. Also, for rough SAT to ACT conversion, check out Your Official ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart.Īfter you take the ACT, you will receive a composite score that is an integer between 1-36.

Students are able to demonstrate more specialized knowledge of subjects.įor more information on the differences between the ACT, SAT, and SAT Subject tests, read this post. The ACT includes a Science section, as well as English, Reading, Math, and Writing (also known as Essay) sections. For this reason, SAT to ACT conversion is a little tricky, as they do not assess the same material. That is, the ACT is more a test of your academic achievement and the knowledge you have accrued in high school. For instance, the ACT focuses more on high school course content rather than general aptitude and test-taking strategy. In fact, in some states, the ACT is a high school graduation requirement.Īlthough the two standardized tests measure similar skill sets, the ACT differs from the SAT in several significant ways. The ACT has become quite popular, with more students taking the ACT than the SAT in recent years. Most colleges require either ACT or SAT scores, and they allow students to pick either one. The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to determine the ACT score goal that’s right for you. Because a good ACT score range heavily depends on what the average ACT score is for your school list, there’s not a universal answer to the question.Ī good ACT score may be different for you versus someone else. Of course, each student’s goal for ACT score range is going to be a little bit different. You should know what ACT score range to aim for so that you remain competitive for the schools on your list. When you decide to take the ACT, it’s important to set some goals for yourself before you start studying.
