1. What is the ACT Composite Score?

The ACT Composite Score is the average of your four test scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), rounded to the nearest whole number. It's the primary score that colleges look at when evaluating your ACT results.

2. How is the Composite Score Calculated?

The calculator uses the ACT formula:

Where:

• Each section score ranges from 1-36
• The average is rounded to the nearest whole number
• If the decimal is exactly 0.5, it rounds up

Example: English=24, Math=26, Reading=28, Science=25 would be (24+26+28+25)/4 = 103/4 = 25.75 → rounded to 26

3. Importance of the ACT Score

Details: The ACT Composite Score is a crucial factor in college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and placement in college courses. Most colleges report the middle 50% range of ACT scores for their admitted students.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your section scores (1-36) for English, Math, Reading, and Science. The calculator will compute your composite score and show all individual section scores.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good ACT Composite Score?
A: The average ACT score is about 21. Scores of 24+ are above average, and 30+ are in the top 10% nationally.

Q2: How is the ACT scored?
A: You earn raw points for correct answers (no penalty for wrong answers), which are converted to scaled scores (1-36) for each section.

Q3: Do all colleges use the Composite Score?
A: Most do, but some may look at individual section scores, especially for programs requiring specific skills (e.g., STEM programs may emphasize Math and Science).

Q4: Can I retake individual sections?
A: Starting in 2020, some states allow section retesting, but most students retake the entire test to improve their Composite Score.

Q5: How many times can I take the ACT?
A: You can take the ACT up to 12 times total, though most students take it 2-3 times.