Hey guys, I've been hearing about the ACT, and I'm curious about the lowest possible score I can get on the test. Can someone help me understand what would be considered a 'bad' ACT score?
4 months ago
Hey there! The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. The lowest possible score you can get is a 1, although it's very rare to score that low. Each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) are scored individually on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these four section scores (rounded to the nearest whole number).
Now, let's dive into what might be considered a "bad" ACT score. This really depends on your goals and the colleges you're aiming for. Generally, a score below 16 is considered on the lower end, as it puts you in the bottom 25% of test takers. For context, the national average ACT score is around 20-21.
That being said, every college has different expectations when it comes to ACT scores. For highly selective colleges, a score above 30 is typically considered competitive, while for less competitive colleges, a score in the low 20s might be sufficient for admission. It's important to research the average ACT scores of admitted students at the schools you're interested in to get a better understanding of what a good score is for those specific institutions.
Remember that while standardized test scores are an important part of the college admissions process, schools also look at other factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays. Good luck with your test preparation and college applications!
4 months ago
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