Act Composite Score Calculator

ACT Composite Score Formula:

\[ CS = \frac{(RS + SS + MS + ES)}{4} \]

Reading Score (RS):

(1-36)

Science Score (SS):

(1-36)

Math Score (MS):

(1-36)

English Score (ES):

(1-36)

Composite Score (CS):

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1. What is the ACT Composite Score?

The ACT Composite Score is the average of your four test scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), each scored on a scale from 1 to 36. It's the primary score that colleges use to evaluate your ACT performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ACT Composite Score formula:

\[ CS = \frac{(RS + SS + MS + ES)}{4} \]

Where:

\( CS \) — Composite Score (1-36)
\( RS \) — Reading Score (1-36)
\( SS \) — Science Score (1-36)
\( MS \) — Math Score (1-36)
\( ES \) — English Score (1-36)

Explanation: The composite score is calculated by adding up the four section scores and dividing by four, then rounding to the nearest whole number (or to the nearest 0.5 if exactly halfway between two whole numbers).

3. Importance of Composite Score

Details: The composite score is the most important ACT score for college admissions. It provides a quick snapshot of your overall performance and is used by colleges for admissions decisions and scholarship considerations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your section scores (each between 1-36) and the calculator will compute your composite score. All values must be valid integers between 1 and 36.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is the composite score rounded?
A: If the average ends with a fraction less than 0.5, it's rounded down. If it's 0.5 or more, it's rounded up. Exactly 0.5 rounds up to the next whole number.

Q2: What's a good composite score?
A: The national average is about 21. Scores of 24+ are above average, and 30+ are in the top 10% of test-takers.

Q3: Do all colleges look at the composite score?
A: Most focus on the composite, but some competitive programs may consider individual section scores as well.

Q4: Can I retake just one section to improve my composite?
A: As of 2020, ACT offers section retesting, allowing you to retake individual sections to improve your composite score.

Q5: How does superscoring affect the composite?
A: Some colleges superscore by taking your best section scores from multiple test dates and calculating a new composite.