Adequate ACT Scores Explained
The ACT is a widely-used standardized test that assesses students' math, science, and verbal skills. The test is an important part of the college application process for many students, and understanding what constitutes a good score can be crucial.
A good ACT score is generally considered to be in or above the 75th percentile, which is at least a 24. However, the strength of an ACT score depends on what percentile it places a student in, with a score above the 50th percentile (6) being more impressive to colleges.
The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The test also includes an optional Writing section, which costs more ($85 compared to $60 for the test without Writing). The ACT Writing section is scored on a separate scale of 2-12.
The Writing section requires students to write an essay describing their perspective on an issue. Two readers each assign a grade on a scale of 1-6 in four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. The domain scores are then combined and averaged to give a final Writing score out of 12.
A score of 8 or higher on the ACT Writing essay can be considered strong, while a score of 9 (90th percentile) can be considered good for the ACT Writing section. It's important to note that many institutions have adopted test-optional policies due to COVID-19, so the importance of ACT scores may vary.
It's also worth noting that the middle 50% of incoming students' ACT scores at a school can give an indication of a good score for that school. For example, the middle 50% of first-year students' ACT scores at 20 popular colleges and universities are listed in the table provided by ACT Inc.
Getting a high ACT score can increase chances of admission to selective colleges. However, a good ACT score for a student depends on the requirements and competitiveness of the colleges they are applying to. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.
In summary, understanding what constitutes a good ACT score is essential for students planning to apply to college. A good score can increase chances of admission to selective colleges, but it's important to consider the specific requirements and competitiveness of the colleges a student is applying to. Additionally, the ACT Writing section is optional and scores are reported separately from the composite score.
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