ACT ACT Score Interpretation & Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the composite score range for the ACT?
- 1–36 (Correct answer)
- 200–800
- 0–100
- 1–100
Correct answer: 1–36
The ACT composite score ranges from 1 to 36 and is the average of the four section scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
Question 2: Which four sections make up the ACT composite score?
- Reading, Writing, Math, Science
- English, Mathematics, Reading, Science (Correct answer)
- Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical, Writing
- English, Reading, Science, Social Studies
Correct answer: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science
The ACT composite is the average of scores from the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections.
Question 3: What does a percentile rank on an ACT score report indicate?
- The percentage of questions answered correctly
- The percentage of test-takers who scored at or below that score (Correct answer)
- The student's rank within their school
- The probability of college admission
Correct answer: The percentage of test-takers who scored at or below that score
A percentile rank shows the percentage of ACT test-takers in the comparison group who scored at or below a given score.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the ACT STEM score?
- It replaces the composite score for science-focused students
- It combines Mathematics and Science section scores into a single score (Correct answer)
- It measures coding and engineering skills
- It is used only for homeschooled students
Correct answer: It combines Mathematics and Science section scores into a single score
The ACT STEM score is an averaged combination of the Mathematics and Science section scores, reported on the 1–36 scale.
Question 5: How should an ACT-certified test administrator explain a student's ACT score to parents who are unfamiliar with the test?
- Tell them the score means the student is college-ready or not
- Explain that the composite is an average of four sections on a 1–36 scale and provide context using percentile ranks (Correct answer)
- Compare the score directly to SAT scores without explanation
- Only share the score without any interpretation
Correct answer: Explain that the composite is an average of four sections on a 1–36 scale and provide context using percentile ranks
Administrators should explain the 1–36 composite scale, how it is calculated, and use national percentile ranks to give context to the score.
Question 6: Which ACT resource provides national and state college readiness benchmarks for interpreting student scores?
- The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks report (Correct answer)
- The FAFSA completion guide
- The Common App score guide
- The NACAC enrollment report
Correct answer: The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks report
ACT publishes the College Readiness Benchmarks report, which defines minimum scores in each subject area associated with a 50% or better chance of earning a B or higher in related college courses.
ACT ACT Score Interpretation & Communication 1
What is the composite score range for the ACT?