High school students preparing for college usually need to take at least one standardized test for their applications. For many, that test is the ACT. Colleges use these scores to compare students from different schools and backgrounds and determine which students they want to extend an invitation for enrollment to. How much does your ACT score matter for a college application? Find out how weighty this number is compared to other things like GPA and personal essays.
What Are ACT Scores?
In short, ACT scores show how well you performed on the ACT test. The ACT is a standardized test that covers three core topics and two optional ones:
Core
- English
- Math
- Reading
Optional
- Science
- Writing
Each section is scored separately on a scale from 1 to 36 (except writing, which is scored from 2 to 12). The three core sections are compiled into a composite score, which is the average score across each section. The optional sections are given separate scores that do not affect your composite score.
For example, if your section scores are:
- English: 24
- Math: 22
- Reading: 26
- Science: 20
Your composite score would be 23, and your STEM score would be 21.
This composite number is the main score colleges look at. However, some schools also review individual section scores, especially if you plan to study a specific subject. For example, a high math score may matter more for engineering programs. You can check with your desired school’s policies to find out what scores they require or focus on for admissions, as well as what your target scores should be.
How Is the ACT Scored?
The ACT scoring system is straightforward and easy to understand. Knowing how scoring works helps achieve better results. Of course, studying the material is also imperative. Be sure to use an ACT-approved calculator on test day!
Section Scores
Each multiple-choice section (English, Math, Reading, and Science) receives a raw score based solely on the number of correct answers. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should always answer each question with an educated guess, even if you’re not sure.
The raw score is converted into a scaled score from 1 to 36, so each version of the test is comparable to one another. All questions are worth the same amount, so don’t spend a lot of time on a difficult question when you could confidently solve 4 easier questions instead.
Composite Score
The composite score is the average of the three core sections together. The result is rounded to the nearest whole number; students will not get fractional score results on any tests. This is the number most colleges look at. Some may look at specific sections, especially if the institution or your major is specialized.
If you take the science section, you’ll also receive a STEM composite score made up of the math and science sections.
If you take the writing section, you’ll receive an ELA composite score of the English, reading, and writing sections.
Writing Score (Optional)
This essay portion of the ACT has a unique scoring scale, from 2 to 12 rather than 1 to 36. Not all colleges require this portion, so be sure to check if it’s necessary for your intended colleges or specific programs. Schools or degrees that focus on writing or communication are more likely to require it.
How Long Do ACT Test Scores Take to Be Released?
ACT scores take 2-4 weeks on average to be released after you take the test. It’s important to keep that in mind when it comes to college application deadlines. You likely want to take your first ACT test at least 3 months before you want to send your app, in case you need to retake the test to try for better numbers. Here is a sample timeline of when to take your ACT and how it fits into the admissions process.
August 14, 2026
Register for your first ACT
Register by this date to avoid late fees.
September 19, 2026
First ACT test day
Take the sections you registered for at an official test center.
October 6, 2026
Initial Score Release Date
Students begin receiving results on this date. Your score can take 2-4 weeks to be distributed to you. If you took the writing test, it may take an additional 2 weeks to get your scores.
November 6, 2026
Register for your second ACT (if needed)
If you want to get higher results in time for December/January application dates, you’ll need to register no later than this date.
December 12, 2026
Second ACT test day
Take the sections you registered for at an official test center.
December 22, 2026
Initial Score Release Date
Remember, it can take more weeks for your writing results to come back
If you want to apply to a college with a regular deadline in January, this can be an actionable schedule for you. If you want to send your application early, you are better off taking a spring or summer ACT first, and a summer or fall ACT as a second attempt. If your desired college offers rolling admissions, you need to keep track of the cut-off dates for the semester you want to begin in.
How to View Your Scores
ACT scores are available for viewing on your MyACT account online. You can have reports sent to your high school and the colleges you indicate in your registration automatically as results become available. You can also order additional reports to be sent to any other official recipient at any time for an additional $20.
If you indicated the scores should be sent to any schools on your ACT registration, they should receive the figures on the same day they become available in your account. You can usually call or email the college’s admissions board to ask if they received the data.
On your MyACT account, you can log in to view:
- Your composite score
- Your section scores
- Your percentile rankings
It is a good idea to check your account regularly after the test date to find out what your scores are as soon as they are released. If you want to cancel a score, you should do so as soon as possible after test day from your MyACT account. You may want to do this if you take the test and feel you completely failed it, perhaps due to an outside factor like having a family emergency the night before that ruined your concentration.
ACT Scores and College Admissions
Most colleges require a standardized test like the ACT or SAT as part of a student’s application. However, the importance of the score depends on the specific college. Some institutions weigh ACT data heavily, while others place greater importance on other factors. The specific program you’re applying for can also influence the importance of the composite or section ACT scores.
How Colleges Use ACT Scores
Colleges use ACT scores to gain more information about applicants. The data can be used for statistical comparison and to provide more context for a student’s other application materials, such as GPA, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Colleges use ACT scores to:
- Compare students from different high schools and backgrounds
- Assess readiness for college-level work
- Support scholarship decisions
Highly-selective colleges typically require higher figures. Less-selective colleges may have more flexible expectations.
What Is a Good ACT Score?
Determining a “good” ACT score depends on your goals. Different institutions or even specific programs within institutions can have varying expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the average scores for different tiers of schools:
- 20-24: Usually enough for many public colleges
- 28-32: Typically competitive for more selective schools
- 33-36: Often required for highly selective colleges
Look at the middle 50 percent range for each college, which indicates the range of scores for previously admitted students. For example, if the college has a range of 26-31, it means that scoring within that range makes you average and on-target for admission. Scoring below 26 makes it more difficult or unlikely you’ll be accepted. Scoring a 31 or above makes you a highly competitive student.
Some colleges are test-optional, which means you do not need to send a standardized test score for your application. However, sending a strong ACT score can help you improve your chances of acceptance and getting scholarships. If your score is close to the school’s average, it can be worth sending.
Superscoring
Some colleges use a method called superscoring. This means they take your highest section scores from multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite score.
For example:
- Test 1: English 24, Math 22, Reading 25
- Test 2: English 26, Math 25, Reading 24
A college that superscores would combine your best section scores:
- English 26, Math 25, Reading 25
This creates a higher composite score than either test alone. Check with your college’s policies to see if they accept superscoring, and if they do, if it’s automatic or if there’s another process for it.
National Averages
The ACT compiles the scores of every test taker per year. This data is used for calculating the national average score. You can compare yourself to this score to see how you measure up on a national level.
2024 national average score according to ACT.org
However, in college admissions, the more important national average score is your intended school’s figure. See what data the colleges you want to apply to release and check the average score of admitted students. You should aim for that target, or slightly higher.
Other Factors in Admissions
ACT scores are only one component of college applications. Colleges also consider:
- Your GPA and course difficulty
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation
A lower score can sometimes be balanced by strong performance in other areas. A strong GPA with challenging courses or years of experience on the math team can bolster your profile, even if your ACT score is lower than you’d like. Scoring as high as personally possible on the ACT is still recommended.
Sending Scores to Colleges
When you register for the ACT, you can choose up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. These reports are sent automatically when test results become available. If you want to send your data later, you can order additional score reports through your account for an additional fee.
Some colleges allow self-reported scores during the application process. Others require official reports sent directly from ACT. Always check the requirements for each school.
Percentiles indicate how you scored compared to other ACT test-takers. The 50th percentile means you scored better than half of all other students. The higher the percentile, the better your score. For example, a score of 30 is usually around the 94th percentile.
Preparing for the ACT to Achieve Your Desired Score
Scoring well on the ACT takes time, planning, and preparation. With a strong study strategy and a few weeks or months of review, you can likely achieve the score you want. Here are some tactics you can use to perform well on your test.
Start with a Practice Test
A few months before the test, take a full-length practice test to understand your current level. This helps you identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on the sections where your scores are lowest. What kinds of questions tripped you up the most? Focus on those.
Build a Study Plan
Set a study schedule that fits your routine. Even short, regular sessions a few times a week can be effective.
- Review key concepts in math and English using tools like flashcards and handwritten notes
- Memorize important math formulas
- Practice reading passages with more speed and effectiveness
- For the science section, rehearse analyzing and interpreting data with practice questions
- Improve your vocabulary by reading advanced books, newspaper articles, and academic magazines
Consistent sessions of focused review are more effective than long, sporadic ones. Set aside at least 30-60 minutes, 3-5 days per week. You can break the sessions up into 10- or 15-minute chunks if desired.
Learn Test-Taking Techniques
Through practice tests, you’ll come to understand what it looks like when a question is taking too much of your time. Practice flagging questions to go back to at the end, so you don’t spend too long on one problem.
Get experience in identifying which answers are most likely wrong and eliminate them right away. Get fluent in which key words in a text, question, or answer are clues about expectations.
Use Official Resources
Official ACT practice questions and tests are the best resource. They accurately reflect the test format and difficulty level. Prep books and other online resources can be helpful, especially if you run out of questions on the ACT website. Just make sure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
Learn the Test Format
Since you will have limited time to finish each section, you should learn the test format to improve your speed. First, learn how each section is structured: what does a passage look like? What does a question look like? What do the multiple-choice answers look like? Get used to the time limits for each section.
Then, take timed practice tests to get used to the time limit. Finishing tests under pressure adds a layer of stress. Getting used to that stress before test day helps you feel more calm and collected.
Large, public state university systems often use a mathematical formula based on a student's grade point average (GPA) and scores on the SAT or ACT.
Collegeboard.org
Set Realistic Goals
Aim for a score that matches your target colleges. Trying to reach a perfect 36 is not necessary for most students. Look at your intended school’s average score and aim there or slightly higher. This will help you feel confident in your abilities, rather than focusing on how far away from 36 you may be.
Consider Retaking the Test
Many students take at least two ACT tests, and it’s common to improve on the second attempt. You are allowed to take 12 attempts, but most students stop at three. If you find that your score is still not what you want after 2-3 attempts, consider finding a good course or tutor before scheduling your next test.
The ACT is a common test for prospective college students. Understanding what score to aim for, how to prepare for the test, and the test format are all important for each student. Be sure to prepare adequately before test day so you can achieve your highest score!
References
- “ACT National Test Dates Schedule 2026-2027.” ACT, www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/test-dates.html. Accessed 19 July 2026.
- “Sending Your Scores and Additional Score Reports.” ACT, www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/sending-your-scores.html. Accessed 19 July 2026.
- “Understanding Your ACT Scores.” ACT, www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/understanding-your-scores.html. Accessed 19 July 2026.
- “What Counts in Admission Decisions.” College Board, counselors.collegeboard.org/college-application/admission-decisions. Accessed 19 July 2026.
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