1. What is the ACT Composite Score?

The ACT Composite Score is the average of your four section scores (English, Math, Reading, and Science), rounded to the nearest whole number. It ranges from 1 to 36 and is a key metric used by colleges for admissions decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ACT composite score formula:

Where:

• \( CS \) — Composite Score (1-36)
• \( English \) — English section score (1-36)
• \( Math \) — Math section score (1-36)
• \( Reading \) — Reading section score (1-36)
• \( Science \) — Science section score (1-36)

Explanation: Each section score is equally weighted in calculating the composite score. The final composite is rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 rounds up).

3. Importance of ACT Scores

Details: ACT scores are crucial for college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and academic placement. Many colleges use the composite score as a primary metric for comparing applicants.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your raw section scores (1-36) for each of the four ACT sections. The calculator will compute your composite score automatically.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is the composite score different from section scores?
A: The composite score is an average of all four section scores, while section scores reflect performance in individual test areas.

Q2: What's a good ACT composite score?
A: Scores above 24 are considered above average, while scores above 30 are in the top 10% nationally.

Q3: Do all colleges look at the composite score?
A: Most focus on the composite, but some may consider individual section scores, especially for programs requiring specific skills.

Q4: How often can I take the ACT?
A: You can take the ACT up to 12 times, though most students take it 2-3 times to improve their scores.

Q5: Does superscoring affect the composite?
A: Superscoring (combining best section scores from multiple tests) creates a new composite that may be higher than any single test's composite.