How is the ACT scored? ACT score range explained

The ACT is one of the most commonly taken exams for college admissions in the U.S. With a national reach and acceptance at most universities, many students opt for the ACT over the SAT because of its focus on complex problem-solving, variety of subjects, and modern but predictable format.

Like most standardized tests, ACT scores do not reflect the raw number of questions a student got right on the test. Rather, ACT scores are placed on a scale that helps make the test a more objective and comparable measure of proficiency. Understanding how ACT scores work will allow you to make the most out of your practice sessions and decode your final score report.

Introduction to the ACT

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions that consists of five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science (optional), and Writing (an argumentative essay, also optional). The multiple-choice sections are each scored on a scale from 1 to 36, while the Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

When people refer to an ACT score, they usually mean the composite score. This is calculated by averaging the scores from the three core multiple-choice sections (English, Math, and Reading), yielding a score between 1 and 36. The Science and Writing sections are optional and are reported separately from the composite.

As for timing, the three required sections take a total of 2 hours and 5 minutes. If you add the optional 40-minute Science section, the test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes. Completing all five sections, including Writing, brings the total testing time to 3 hours and 25 minutes.

How is the ACT scored?

Your ACT score is made up of two important components: your raw score, which is the number of correct answers, and your scale score, which reflects the ACT score range of 1 to 36 based on the overall test difficulty.

Section scaled scores also range from 1 to 36, with 36 as the top possible mark. Your three individual section scores, English, Math, and Reading, are averaged together to determine your official composite score.

The ACT Science test is scored between 1 and 36, like the other multiple-choice sections, but is no longer included in composite score calculations since it became optional in 2024. The Writing section is graded on its own scoring scale, which is explained in detail below.

Both your section scores and your composite score are provided to colleges, giving them a comprehensive view of your ACT performance and how you compare to ACT average scores.

What is the average ACT score?

The most recently calculated national ACT average score was 19.2 out of 36, with average section scores ranging from 18 to 20. While a high score in one section will bring up your average, it’s important to aim for top results in all sections. This shows colleges that you are a well-rounded student, though students aiming for programs that emphasize specific competencies (math for STEM, communication for humanities, etc.) may want to tailor their ACT preparation accordingly.

ACT Writing scores

The optional Writing Test is scored separately from the multiple-choice sections, using a scale from 2 to 12. Your Writing Test results consist of five scores: one overall score and four domain scores, all based on an analytic rubric. The overall score is calculated by averaging the four domain scores and rounding the result.

The four domains evaluate key writing skills:

Ideas and Analysis: This measures your ability to develop thoughtful ideas and consider multiple perspectives. Strong performance shows a clear understanding of the topic, audience, and purpose, key elements of effective writing.

Development and Support: This domain focuses on how well you build and support your arguments using reasoning and examples. High-scoring responses expand on ideas, explore implications, and present clear, well-supported points.

Organization: This reflects how logically and clearly your essay is structured. A well-organized response connects ideas smoothly and guides the reader through your argument in a coherent way.

Language Use and Conventions: This assesses your command of written English, including grammar, word choice, sentence structure, and mechanics. Strong writers use appropriate tone and style for their audience.

The essay is scored by two graders, who assign ratings of 1-6 in each of the four domains. These scores are combined to produce domain scores on a 2-12 scale, which are then used to determine your overall Writing Test score.

ACT super scoring

If you take the ACT multiple times, some colleges allow you to submit your best section scores from different test dates, known as “super scoring.” This strategy lets you focus on improving your weaker areas while maintaining your strengths. Your top English, Math, and Reading scores will be compiled into a composite superscore, while your best Science and Writing attempts will be presented separately, if applicable.

Students can take the ACT as many times as they choose: there are no limits on retakes and no required waiting period before registering for another test. Whether a college considers all scores or uses a superscore, retaking the ACT once or twice will not negatively impact an application, especially if the scores show clear improvement.

What is a good ACT score?

A good ACT score range is determined by how your results compare to those of other students applying to your chosen universities. To boost your chances of admission, strive for an ACT score above the ACT average score for your target schools. This approach helps ensure your application stands out from others.

When evaluating your performance, it’s important to understand ACT percentiles. These percentiles reflect where your ACT score falls relative to all test-takers nationwide. Achieving a score above the 75th percentile places you in a strong position for admissions, while a score below the 25th percentile might make your application less competitive within the typical ACT score range.

Below are the most recent ACT percentile rankings (composite score only) and the corresponding ACT scores for students in the U.S.:

For the top 10 colleges ranked by U.S. News and World Report, average ACT scores for admitted students during the 2024-2025 school year were as follows:

Be aware that top public schools, liberal arts colleges, and other institutions may have widely different statistics for accepted students, so early and deep research is key. Understanding the full ACT score range and the national ACT average score can help you set realistic goals and craft a stronger application strategy.

How to increase your ACT scores

How long should I study for the ACT?

A general guideline is to study for at least two to three months, but closer to four to six months is better. Expect to spend at least 100 hours studying, which breaks down to about 12 hours per week over eight weeks or eight hours per week over 12 weeks.

If you aim to improve your score by 10 points or more, consider dedicating six months to studying.

How to study for the ACT

The ACT tests you on what you learned in high school math, English, and science classes. Start by revisiting your notes or old textbooks to ensure you remember key concepts. Once you have a solid foundation, move on to true ACT preparation.

There are many ways to prepare for the ACT, including:

• Paper textbooks: Study at your own pace for a low cost, but these lack interactivity and analytics.
• Online self-study courses: Interactive platforms provide analytics and adapt to your strengths and weaknesses.
• Online classes: Scheduled classes with an instructor can help keep you on track, but they are more expensive, typically ranging from $600 to $2,000.
• Free supplemental resources: Khan Academy offers a free SAT course that covers similar math topics. YouTube also has channels focused on ACT and SAT preparation.
• Hiring an ACT tutor: Personalized support from a tutor can be an effective but expensive option, costing between $150 and $300 per hour.

A recommended approach is to start with an online self-study course and then hire a tutor to target weak areas. Throughout your prep, you’ll want to allocate plenty of time for topic reviews, completing practice problems, and using full-length mock ACT tests to gauge your readiness.

How to take the ACT

When should I take the ACT?

The ACT is offered on designated national test dates at testing sites, high schools, and local campuses in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. If you miss the late registration deadline, you can request standby testing to take the test on that date if seats are available.

Many students start studying in the summer before or during their junior year, in time for the February or April ACT test date. This allows time to prepare for a retake in September or October before most college applications are officially due.

Scores are sent out about two weeks after each national test date, but it can take up to eight weeks. Schedule your test at least two weeks before the score deadline for your target universities.

How to sign up for the ACT?

The easiest way to register for the ACT is online. Visit the ACT website, click “Sign In,” and then “MyACT Sign In.”

Create a MyACT account by selecting the appropriate option and filling out the required information. Verify your registration via email or SMS. You will have the option to take the ACT digitally, on paper, and with or without optional sections. To maximize your score and your student profile, select the format that best suits your testing style. Students applying to competitive programs or targeting STEM or humanities and social sciences majors should strongly consider taking the ACT Science and/or ACT Writing portions.

What can I do with a MyACT account?

A MyACT account allows you to manage every step of the ACT sign-up process online. With your account, you can check your ACT scores, update registration details, and request official ACT score reports.

After setting up your MyACT account, start your ACT registration by providing information about your background and educational history. As part of the ACT sign-up process, upload a recent headshot for identification purposes. This will be used for your testing ticket, which is required for admittance to the test site.

Once your ACT registration details are complete, pay the testing fee to receive your unique voucher number. Be sure to click “Submit” to finalize your registration, and print your official registration ticket to bring on test day.

After taking the ACT

How long does it take to get ACT scores?

ACT scores typically come out one to four weeks after your test date and can be accessed through the MyACT portal. Section scores are posted as they’re completed. Writing scores are released only after all other sections are available, and paper-based tests usually take longer to score than digital ones.

How long are ACT scores valid?

ACT scores never expire, so they remain valid even if you take a gap year or enter the workforce. It is recommended, though, that students retake their exam if their scores are older than five years to account for possible changes in the testing format and content.

How do I send ACT scores to colleges?

You can select up to four colleges to directly receive your ACT scores at the time of registration, and the ACT will send these initial score reports for free (note that these reports are sent automatically, so you will not have the option to hold onto your scores if you are dissatisfied with them).

If you wish to send additional ACT score submissions after receiving your results, each new report costs $18.50 and is typically processed quite quickly: most additional schools should receive your ACT scores within 1-2 business days after your request is submitted. Be sure to factor these timelines into your planning when applying to multiple schools.

Many of the schools I’m applying to are test-optional. Should I still submit ACT scores?

If a school is test-optional, whether you should submit your ACT score depends on how it compares to that school’s typical admitted student profile. A score at or above the average can strengthen your application, while a below-average score may do more harm than good.

In general, taking the ACT gives you more flexibility, allowing you to apply to both test-required and test-optional schools. For that reason, it’s usually better to take the exam rather than skip it altogether.

Final thoughts

For more than a million students, the ACT plays a key role in the path to college. While many top programs admit applicants with scores near the upper end of the ACT scale, earning a perfect 36 isn’t required to get into your dream school. With early preparation and clear, realistic goals, you can achieve the section and overall scores needed for your top-choice colleges.