ACT ACT Score Interpretation & Communication

Question 1

What is the composite score range for the ACT?

Accepted Answer

1–36

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

English, Mathematics, Reading, Science

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of test-takers who scored at or below that score

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

It combines Mathematics and Science section scores into a single score

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the composite is an average of four sections on a 1–36 scale and provide context using percentile ranks

Answer

Administrators should explain the 1–36 composite scale, how it is calculated, and use national percentile ranks to give context to the score.

ACT Practice Test