Calculate your expected ACT score based on practice tests or academic performance in relevant subjects.

ACT Scores Explained: What to Know

ACT (American College Testing) is one of the most commonly accepted college entrance assessments in the U. It aids colleges and universities assess applicants based on academic readiness. So knowing how ACT scores work is important for success, because your ACT score can have a big impact on your college admissions process.

ACT Scores Range

What do ACT scores look like, though? The assessment consists of four areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, where each section is scored between 1 and 36. The composite score is calculated to the nearest whole number by averaging these four section scores.

• English: A measure of your ability to apply correct grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, and rhetorical strategies.
• Math: Algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Reading: Measures understanding of passages in different subjects.
• Science: Assesses the interpreter, analysis and solver of problems in scientific contexts.

ACT Score Calculator

An ACT score calculator shows you how your raw scores translate into scaled scores and lets you estimate your potential ACT score. It allows you to enter your correct answers to get an overall ACT score estimate of what you can expect from your performance.

While you cannot determine with complete accuracy what your score was, you can use the ACT Score Calculator to get a rough estimate of your score from your raw scores. This should help you understand better the relationship between raw points and scaled scores.

ACT Scores Chart

An ACT scores chart serves as a guide to help you understand what your scores mean in terms of percentiles and how you stack up against national averages. For example:

This chart helps put your scores in context, giving you a sense of where you fall among other test-takers nationwide.

Average ACT Score

The average ACT score nationwide fluctuates annually, but it typically falls around 20.6. The average score is also an important figure for both students and colleges, as it provides reference point for what is considered average, or rather a “usual” score. (Note that this average score might vary based on the year and the group of students who took the test.)

What Is a Good ACT Score for Harvard?

For elite institutions such as Harvard, you would need to achieve an outstanding ACT score. For admitted students, Harvard’s average range of ACT scores is usually 33-35, with 35 being the most competitive. Remember, there is no official "cut-off," but a score anywhere in these ranges virtually guarantees acceptance to this Ivy League elite show.

ACT Score Chart Percentile

The ACT Score Chart Percentile is a key tool for understanding where your score ranks against the pool of all test-takers. A score in a higher percentile means you did better than that larger share of the population. For example:

• 99+ Percentile: 36 (Perfect Score)
• Percentile 90-95: 30-34
• Percentile 50-60: 20-24

This graph breaks down whether that score is above average or below average compared to other test takers.

Is 20 a Good ACT Score?

A 20 score on the ACT is near the national average and doesn’t rank high, but it is still good enough for admission to many colleges and universities. However, you could get away with below-average scores for less competitive schools, but for more competitive schools you may need higher scores to improve your chances of admission.

20 comes in around the 45th percentile on the ACT score scale, meaning you scored higher than 45% of everyone else who took the test. If you hope to gain admission to more selective programs, you should retest to raise your score.

My ACT: What Should I Know?

If you are planning to take the ACT, then you’ll want to know what good ACT scores are for the colleges you want to apply to, as well as how to gauge your performance through the ACT score chart and the ACT score calculator. These are the tools that will tell you where you are standing and if you lack something in your preparation, so you can focus on that area.

FAQs About ACT Scores

What is the ACT score of all time?

The maximum ACT score is 36, indicating that you got all the questions correct (or nearly).

What ACT score is typical for University of Michigan applicants?

A score in this range should increase your chances of being accepted.

How can I raise my ACT score?

Improve your score that way and also by working on practice tests and reviewing on the common types of questions. Using other tools, such as the ACT Score Calculator, can also help you measure your progress.

Is it worth retaking the ACT?

If your score is lower than average at your target school or doesn’t meet your expectations, it may be worth retaking the ACT. Logical as the advice is, the truth of the matter is that most schools will take your best score from all your tries.

What are the average ACT scores by state?

Average ACT score state rankings vary widely. Some states are higher like Massachusetts and Connecticut, some are lower like Mississippi or Alabama.

With that in mind, to help you take a more personalized approach in your preparation, you can try using an ACT score calculator that will give you a good idea.

Armed with this thorough understanding of ACT scores, you know how to navigate the test in the face of any environment with confidence. When you aim for your best score, use tools like the ACT score calculator to track your performance.