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Average ACT score | An introduction to the ACT exam
The ACT is a multiple-choice test used in the US for graduate admissions in colleges and universities. In order to graduate from a good American university, you must take the ACT exam. The ACT exam consists of four subjects—Science, Mathematics, English, and Reading—while the optional fifth subject, Writing, is not required. This blog details the ACT score range and the average ACT score for the best international universities.
ACT exam section with scoring
Each of the four categories is scored out of a possible 36 points, with 1 being the lowest and 36 being the highest. Additionally, the ACT exam’s section-by-section question numbers and reporting categories are as follows-
| Section | Reporting categories |
| English | Production of Writing (29-32%) Knowledge of Language (13-19%) Conventions of Standard English (51-56%) |
| Math | Preparing for higher math (57-60%) Number & Quantity (7–10%) Algebra (12–15%) Functions (12–15%) Geometry (12–15%) Statistics & Probability (8–12%) Integrating essential skills (40-43%) Modeling |
| Reading | Interpretation of data (45-55%) Scientific investigation (20-30%) Evaluation of conclusions, models, and findings from experiments (25-35%) |
| Science | Interpretation of data (45-55%) Scientific investigation (20-30%) Evaluation of conclusions, models, and findings from experiments (25-35%) |
What is the Average ACT score?
The average ACT score is used to gauge how well students who submitted their papers on the same day performed. For each subject section, the ACT is scored from 1 to 36. Instead of losing points for incorrect responses, students earn no credit for them.
The English, Science, Mathematics, and reading scores are added together to create the ACT composite score. The current ACT Score average is 20.6. The ACT score range, depending on a percentile system, is 1-36 score points. Percentile scoring indicates a test participant’s outcomes relative to all other test takers on that day.
Do ACT scores matter?
The ACT ranking compares your ACT score to those of other test takers. The percentage is the share of test takers whose results were either higher or lower than yours. For example, scoring a 75% on the ACT indicates that you outperformed 75% of other test takers.
As they enable schools and institutions to compare your exam results to other applicants, percentile evaluations are essential. However, the ACT score is more important than the ranking because it fluctuates depending on the college to which one wishes to apply.
To enter schools like Princeton, one would need to have a considerably higher score. A score between 21 and 23 puts you in the middle percentile of ACT takers, where the average score is around 20.8. If you earn a score of 24 or higher, you do stand out from other test takers.
Universities that accept the highest ACT scores
For your reference, we’ve listed the top American universities along with their average ACT exam score requirements-
| University | Average Composite ACT Score |
| Princeton University | 33-35 |
| Harvard University | 33-35 |
| Columbia University | 33-35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 34-36 |
| Yale University | 33-35 |
| Stanford University | 32-35 |
| University of Chicago | 33-35 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 33-35 |
| California Institute of Technology | 35-36 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 33-35 |
| Northwestern University | 33-35 |
| Duke University | 33-35 |
| Dartmouth College | 32-35 |
| Brown University | 33-35 |
| Vanderbilt University | 33-35 |
| Rice University | 33-35 |
| Washington University | 27-33 |
| Cornell University | 32-35 |
| University of Notre Dame | 32-35 |
Tips and tricks to boost your ACT score
Your admission prospects to select universities may be affected by your ACT score, and you might even be eligible for some scholarships. We advise being ready at least a few months in advance by studying ACT material, taking practice exams, and figuring out your weak points. The ACT tips and methods listed here, which test-prep professionals have approved, will help you improve your score and feel more assured on test day.
- Exercise using reliable study resources
- Develop your time management techniques
- Utilize the same option each time you guess.
- Give priority to questions you already know the answers to.
- Memorize basic math formulas.
- Boost your reading pace
Key takeaways
- The ACT exam consists of four components, Math, English, Science, and Reading, and is graded on a scale of 36.
- A good ACT score is an essential criterion for the college or university you want to attend.
- You should try to aim for a score of at least 30 if you want to enroll in elite universities abroad.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!
Like this blog? Read next- List of synonyms and antonyms | Prepare for your next exam!
FAQ
Q1. Why is having a good ACT score important?
Answer- The average ACT score is essential because colleges and institutions can compare your results to other candidates.
Q2. Does a high ACT score guarantee admission?
Answer- With your ACT scores, colleges consider your high school GPA, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation from professors, and the courses you attended there. However, higher ACT scores increase the likelihood of admission to more universities.
Q3. Why is the ACT writing average calculated differently?
Answer- Few universities require students to take the ACT writing test. After all, they believe that the General ACT is sufficient to assess an applicant’s knowledge and comprehension of several topics.
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