How to understand your ACT results and score chart 2024?

ACT results are accepted by almost every university and college in the US. 

Universities and colleges use the ACT scores for admission, course placements, scholarships, and loans. 

In this guide, we will list everything you need to know about the ACT results and the ACT score chart.

ACT Scoring Process

The ACT test consists of four sections - English, mathematics, reading, and science and each section's score ranges from 1 to 36. The candidates are awarded +1 for the correct answer, while there are no negative marks for the wrong answer. The number of correct answers, known as raw numbers, is scaled to obtain the average of the section score, the composite score. The highest possible ACT score is 36, while the average ACT score is 21.

For instance, if the candidate secures an ACT raw score of 28 in English, 32 in Mathematics, 28 in Reading, and 30 in Science, then the ACT composite score would be 29.5. ACT rounds the fraction to the closest whole number. If the fraction is 0.5 or above, the ACT composite score will be rounded up, and if the fraction is below 0.5, the ACT composite score will be rounded down. So, in this case, the ACT composite score would be rounded to 30.

The ACT scoring process works as follows:

• ACT counts the total number of correct answers in each test. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
• The total number of correct answers (known as raw scores) are converted to scale scores.
• The scale scores are averaged to create a composite score, rounded to the closest whole number.
• The composite score and the individual section scores are sent to the selected colleges in the registration form.

The ACT score chart used to convert ACT raw scores into ACT scale scores is shown below:

Scoring for the Writing Test

The writing test is evaluated on the candidate's ability to state his perspective of the issue, support his ideas with reasoning, logically organize his ideas and communicate in standard written English. The writing test does not affect a candidate's composite score, but no English Language Arts (ELA) score will be reported without a writing test score.

Two trained readers will score the candidate's essay on a scale of 1 to 6 in the four writing domains (ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions). A third reader will evaluate the essay if the reader's score differs by more than one point to resolve the discrepancy.

ACT Superscoring

ACT calculates a superscore for candidates who have taken the ACT test more than once after September 2016. A superscore is the average of the four best subject scores from all the ACT test attempts. The candidate’s superscore combines the best performances into one score reflecting his abilities, ultimately allowing him to put his best foot forward.

The composite score is the average of the four subject scores, while the superscore is the average of the best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts. So, the candidate's super score will always be higher than the single composite score.

ACT Score Chart

After taking the ACT test, the candidate's scores are analyzed, calculated, and reported on the ACT score chart. The ACT score chart includes:

• The candidate's composite score and each subject's score, including the writing test.
• The candidate's scores on combined STEM and ELA indicators.
• The candidate's scores on the ACT College Readiness Benchmark with the Readiness Range for each subject.
• The candidate's scores in comparison to the other candidates who took the ACT test in his state.
• Detailed results for each reporting category of each subject
• The candidate's progress towards the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate indicator.
• Should the candidate retake the test based on the current ACT scores?
• ACT services and policies regarding the test and how ACT scored the test.
• Sending the candidate's scores to colleges and using them for college and career planning.

Where to Check the ACT Scores 2024?

ACT releases the ACT results on its official website. The candidates have to log in to their MyACT Accounts to check their scores. Multiple choice scores are generally available 2 weeks after the test date, while the writing test scores are available 2 weeks after the multiple-choice scores. ACT sends score report data to the recipients that the candidate has provided during registration.

ACT Services

ACT provides two important services regarding the ACT scores. These are:

• Score verification service
• Error correction service

Score Verification Service

ACT provides score verification services to candidates to verify their MCQ and writing test scores up to 12 months after the test date. The verification request form is available on their website. The candidates must send the completed form and a check for the applicable fee to the specified address.

ACT will verify the candidate’s answers against the correct score key for MCQ's. For writing tests, the essay will be scored by two independent readers, and if the scores differ by more than one point in any domain, then a third reader will score the essay. ACT would re-score the essay if any errors were detected during score verification.

The results of score verification take about 3 - 5 weeks after receiving the request. If there is some error in scoring, the corrected reports will be sent by letter free of cost. The score verification fee will be refunded to the candidate, but additional fees will apply.

Error correction in your report

The candidates can use the error correction services to change any error in information like address, email, etc., other than scores, within 3 months of receiving the scores.

If ACT made the error and required the candidate to retest, the ACT would bear all the expenses. If ACT made the error and did not require the candidate to retest, the corrected score reports will be sent to the candidate and the score recipients free of cost. If ACT did not make the error, the corrected reports, if the candidate requests, will be sent after paying for Additional Score Reports.

ACT / SAT Concordance

ACT and the College Board have completed a concordance study to examine the relationship between ACT and SAT scores. These concordance tables provide a tool to compare scores from similar assessments. Students, colleges, counselors, and scholarship organizations use concordances to measure student’s college readiness and determine ACT eligibility for a program or scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I check the ACT results for 2024?

You have to log in to your MyACT Accounts to check your ACT results. Multiple choice scores are generally available 2 weeks after the test date, while the writing test scores are available 2 weeks after the multiple-choice scores. 

How are ACT scores calculated?

The ACT test consists of four sections - English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science and each section's score ranges from 1 to 36. The candidates are awarded +1 for the correct answer, while there are no negative marks for the wrong answer. The number of correct answers, known as raw numbers, is scaled to obtain the average of the section score, the composite score.

What is the highest and lowest possible ACT score?

The highest possible ACT score is 36, while the lowest possible ACT score is 1.

Does taking the writing test affect the composite score?

No, taking the writing test does not affect the composite score. However, no English Language Arts (ELA) score will be reported without a writing test score.

What is a good score range for the ACT?

The average composite score for the ACT is around 20-21. However, scores in the range of 25 to 30 are considered good, and scores above 30 are considered excellent.

Is 27 A good grade on the ACT?

Yes, 27 is considered a good score on the ACT. The average ACT score is around 20-21, and a score of 27 is higher than the national average. Scores in the range of 25 to 30 are generally considered good, and scores above 30 are considered excellent.