What Is A Good ACT Score? Behind The ACT Scoring System

What Is A Good ACT Score? Behind The ACT Scoring System

Are you preparing to take the ACT? If so, you’re likely wondering what constitutes a good score. As with any standardized test, understanding the scoring system is key to success.

Shahar Link
April 6, 2023

Are you preparing to take the ACT? If so, you’re likely wondering what constitutes a good score. As with any standardized test, understanding the scoring system is key to success. The American College Testing (ACT) exam has its own unique scoring process that helps colleges evaluate student performance and potential for college admissions.

To make sure you get an accurate picture of your readiness for college-level work, it's important to understand how this exam works and why certain scores are considered "good" according to the ACT scoring system. In this article, we'll explain the complexities of ACT scores, including what a good score looks like.

If your student needs additional help raising their ACT score, Mindspire can help them prepare for their future academic goals! Practice tests, tailored curricula, and professional tutors are just a few of the things that recommend us as the best test prep option for the ACT.

How Is The ACT Score Calculated and What Does It Mean

The ACT score is calculated by taking the average of all four subject tests. This means that if a student takes the Math, English, Reading, and Science sections of the exam, their score will be an average of all four scores. 

The ACT composite score ranges from 1-36, with 36 being the highest possible score. Each section of the exam is scored on a scale from 1-36 as well.

It’s important to understand what your composite score means in terms of college readiness. A high score indicates that a student has strong skills in all four subject areas and will likely be successful in college-level courses. On the other hand, being situated lower on the ACT score range may indicate that there are some areas that need improvement before college classes begin.

High schools often use standardized test scores to identify students who may need additional help or assistance preparing for college coursework. Additionally, colleges use these scores to determine acceptance into a program or scholarship opportunities; many top colleges require average ACT scores of at least 27 for consideration into prestigious programs such as honors or accelerated studies.

What is a Good ACT Score for College Admissions

When it comes to college admissions, a “good” ACT score depends greatly on the college itself. For some schools, a 25 will be good enough to open the admissions door. At others, that score might be a 27 or 28. At Ivy League and similarly competitive schools, students may need to achieve a 33 or higher to have a good chance of admission.

In general, a score of 27 or higher on the ACT puts students on par with most incoming college freshmen. According to recent statistics, the average ACT score for 2022 college-bound seniors was 19.8 out of 36 points. This means that those who scored 27 or above were well above average in terms of their college readiness.

In addition, some colleges have specific requirements for admission based on the student’s individual subject scores. For example, a school may require a student to achieve at least a 29 in Math and a 25 in English for acceptance into an honors program. It’s important to research each school’s requirements before applying to get an idea of what constitutes a good ACT score for your particular situation.

With proper preparation and dedication, achieving a high ACT score can be within reach for anyone. High schoolers should consider enrolling in tutoring services like Mindspire that offer personalized study plans tailored towards achieving maximum success on the exam. 

Strategies to Improve Your ACT Scores

Employing certain strategies can help young students guarantee to raise their ACT test scores and make a good impression on college admission boards. 

Here is a short checklist of things test takers need to keep in mind:

  1. Set realistic goals and create an effective study plan
  2. Take practice tests regularly to become familiar with the exam format
  3. Use online resources such as Mindspire for additional help
  4. Make sure you are well rested and alert on test day
  5. Complete all questions, even if you don't know them, since there is no penalty for wrong answers
  6. Familiarize yourself with common grammar rules to improve their English score 
  7. Read diverse materials in order to increase your reading comprehension skills
  8. Utilize flashcards or other memorization tools to prepare for the math section
  9. Review basic math concepts such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry etc., prior to taking the exam 
  10. Join a review course or get in touch with a tutoring service like Mindspire for personalized guidance

We also have a more in-depth guide on preparing for the ACT and achieving the target score, which you can check out in this article!

Unlock the Secrets to a Good ACT Score

In conclusion, understanding what constitutes a good ACT score is essential for college-bound high schoolers to ensure they have the best chance of getting accepted into their desired program. With realistic goals, an effective study plan, and the right resources on hand, students can increase their chances of achieving higher scores. 

At Mindspire, we offer personalized tutoring services tailored toward helping students achieve maximum success on the ACT – contact us today to get started!

Social Media Post

The way the ACT score is calculated and what the score means can appear to be a bit of a mystery to those who haven’t taken standardized tests before. That’s why we’ve decided to help shed light on the ACT scoring system.

Find out everything you need to know about ACT scores in our new article:

Read more blogs