ACT Exam results

ACT, also known as the American College test, is necessary for students applying to undergraduate schools, mainly in the US and Canada.

Your ACT exam results will be announced based on when you took the test. Your scores will be provided for each section as well as a combined score. 
 

You will find your scores online through your MyACT account once they are ready.
 

Please note that ACT Customer Support won't be able to give you your scores over the phone, email, chat, or fax.

• Typically, you can expect your multiple-choice scores to be available around 2 weeks after each national test date, though sometimes it might take up to 8 weeks.
• Your writing scores are usually accessible about 2 weeks after your multiple-choice scores are posted.

If you took the writing test, your complete scores will only be officially reported once your writing scores have been included.
 

The ACT exam is scored from 1 to 36. It measures your abilities in writing, math, reading, and science.

Remember, your ACT total scores stay valid for 5 years after the year you took the test

What are ACT Scores 2023?

In the ACT test, you'll have 4 sections: English, math, reading, and science. Each section gets a score from 1 to 36. You earn +1 for a correct answer but don't lose anything for a wrong one. Your correct answers, also called raw numbers, are adjusted to create a scaled score between 1 and 36 using a metric that considers difficult variations. 

The Composite Score is the average of the 4 subject area test scores.
 

The highest ACT score possible is 36, and the average score is 21.
 

Let's say you get 28 right in English, 32 in Math, 28 in Reading, and 30 in Science. Your ACT composite score would be 29.5.

ACT rounds the number to the nearest whole. If it's 0.5 or more, your score goes up; if it's less than 0.5, it goes down. So, in this example, your ACT composite score would round up to 30.
 

Here's how the ACT scoring process works:

• We count all your correct answers, and there's no penalty for wrong ones.
• Your total correct answers (raw scores) change to scale scores.
• We average these scale scores to make your composite score, rounding it to the nearest whole number.
• The colleges you picked on your registration form get composite and section scores.

Writing Test Scores

When you take the ACT Plus Writing, you'll also get a writing score rated from 2 to 12.
 

In the Writing Test, your essays are scored based on how well you can:

• Present and support a viewpoint on a topic.
• Stay focused on the essay topic.
• Build your position with good reasons.
• Clearly organize your ideas.
• Use language effectively and follow proper English rules.
   

Your essay will be scored based on the overall impression it gives. 

Two readers will each give your essay a score from 1 to 6. The total of these scores becomes your Writing subscore, which is then reported on a scale of 2 to 12. 
 

If the two scores have a difference of more than one point, a third reader will read your essay and help decide the final score.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the highest ACT score possible in 2023?

A. In 2023, the highest possible ACT score remains at 36. Your total score and individual test scores for English, mathematics, reading, and science all range between 1 (indicating a lower score) and 36 (reflecting a higher score).

Q. How do I get my ACT score report in 2023?

A. Getting your ACT score report for the year 2023 is a straightforward process. As a test-taker, you can access your ACT scores through the MyACT platform. To do this:

• Login using the credentials you created during your initial exam registration.
• Navigate to the section labelled "Your Test Dates and Scores."
• From there, select the option that says "View Scores." This action should direct you to a page displaying your results, allowing you to see how you performed on the exam.

Q. What is a 35 ACT score equivalent to on the SAT?

A. A 35 ACT score is comparable to a score in the range of 1560 to 1590 on the SAT. While the ACT and SAT are distinct tests with unique formats and scoring systems, this equivalence provides a helpful perspective for understanding how performance on the two exams might correspond. It's important to recognize that despite some differences, this comparison aids in grasping the relative achievement level across both assessments.

ACT Score Reporting Dates 2023-2024

ACT hasn't provided a particular date for your scores' release. Your ACT Score becomes available approximately 2 weeks after your test date, and the processing happens during regular business hours. 

The test dates and anticipated score reporting dates for non-US students can be found below:

There may be a case when ACT results may be delayed, and dates might vary; thus, you must keep a check on your MyACT account.
 

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is 23 a good ACT score?

A. Scoring a 23 on the ACT places you above the national average, demonstrating solid academic performance. This score positions you as a competitive candidate for admission at many universities, showcasing your capabilities. However, your score might fall below the average of accepted students for more selective colleges. The higher your ACT score, the broader your array of opportunities becomes. To gain a deeper understanding of ACT scores, let's explore further.
 

Q. What is a good ACT score for Ivy League schools?

A. Consistently, the trend suggests that a competitive ACT score for Ivy League schools, such as Yale and Harvard, hovers around the 34 composite mark. Achieving this level of performance ensures that your ACT scores align favourably with the average scores of admitted students at these prestigious institutions.

Q. What is the lowest ACT score accepted at Harvard?

A. While Harvard maintains no set minimum ACT score for admission, it's essential to know that the average ACT score among accepted students is 33. This average serves as a benchmark for successful applicants. While applying with a score of 29 or below does not rule out your chances entirely, it does present a more challenging path to gaining admission. It's crucial to consider the various Harvard University requirements for test scores to position yourself optimally for acceptance into this esteemed institution.

ACT Exam Sections and Scoring

You should know that SAT and ACT exams are quite different. ACT is unlike SAT – it's not about your natural abilities or IQ. Instead, ACT is closely connected to what you've learned in high school.
 

Here’s what you’ll get in the ACT exam:

Here are the average ACT scores section-wise:

ACT Score Reporting

If you want to drill down further into what your scores mean, you can directly reference Reporting Category information found in their score reports.

Here is a brief outline:

English:
 

• Production of Writing (29-32%)
• Knowledge of Language (15-17%)
• Conventions of Standard English (52-55%)
   

Mathematics:

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%)

Reading:
 

• Key ideas and details (52-60%)
• Craft and structure (25-30%)
• Integration of knowledge and ideas (13-23%)

Science:

• Interpretation of data (40-50%)
• Scientific investigation (20-30%)
• Evaluation of Models, inferences, and experimental results (25-35%)

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the 4 sections of the ACT?

A. The ACT test comprises four distinct multiple-choice sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Additionally, there's an optional writing section that test-takers can choose to complete.
 

Q. How is the math section of the ACT scored?

A. The scoring mechanism for the math section of the ACT operates as follows. For each correct answer, you receive a point, and there's no deduction for incorrect responses; there's no penalty for getting a question wrong. The total number of questions you answer correctly in each test section (English, Math, Reading, or Science) becomes your raw score for that particular section.

Q. Which section of the ACT is considered the easiest?

A. Among the ACT sections, the English section is the most approachable and simplest to prepare for. Many students observe substantial improvements in their scores with even a moderate amount of study. The ACT English test comprises five passages with questions designed to evaluate your language and grammatical understanding. This section often presents an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their scores with focused preparation.

How to Check ACT 2023 Results?

Your ACT score becomes available around 2 weeks after you've taken the test. You can check it online using the ACT account you created during registration. 

ACT scores are processed and updated weekly, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your scores regularly.

Here’s what your ACT scorecard will look like:

Note: It's important to note that you won't receive a separate mail notification when your ACT scores are released, and contacting customer care through phone, email, chat, or fax won't provide you with your scores. Also, viewing your ACT score online won't make the reporting process faster.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I find my ACT results?

A. To access your ACT scores, follow a simple process. Here's how:

• Visit MyACT Account: Once your ACT scores are ready, you can find them by logging into your MyACT account. This account is the hub for all your test-related information.
• Check Availability: Ensure your scores are posted and available for viewing. ACT generally releases scores on specific dates, so keep an eye on the schedule.
• Log In: Using the credentials you created when registering for the ACT, log into your MyACT account. This secure platform ensures that only you can access your scores.
• Navigate to Scores: Once logged in, navigate to the section providing information about your scores. This might be labelled as "Test Scores" or something similar.
• View Your Scores: Within this section, there should be an option to view your scores. Click on this option to see your ACT results.

Q. How do I download my ACT results?

A. To download your ACT results, follow these steps:

• Log in to your account at Success.act.org.
• Choose 'ACT Test Scores and Reports.'
• Select the Download Hub tab, which will offer you options to download data for a specific year.
• You can download data from any program available in the Online Reporting section.

Q. Why can't I see my ACT writing score?

A. In most cases, your multiple-choice scores become accessible about 2 weeks after your test date. If you opted for the optional ACT writing portion, your writing scores will be available around 2 weeks after the release of your multiple-choice results. This delay ensures that all aspects of scoring are thoroughly processed before displaying the complete set of results to you.

Universities accepting top scores for ACT

When universities in the USA consider admitting students to their undergraduate programs, they often review your ACT scores and may require you to meet a specific minimum score for enrollment.

It's important to know that different states and individual schools have their own policies on this matter. 

Here, you'll find a list of colleges that accept ACT scores ranging from 25 to 30:

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the highest ACT score for Harvard?

A. Harvard's admitted students typically have an average ACT score of 32 to 35. This range stands significantly above the national average of 21. It's important to note that while the highest possible score on the ACT is 36, achieving this upper limit can be an ambitious goal, considering the rigorous academic standards of Harvard.
 

Q. What is a good ACT score for MIT?

A. At MIT, the 25th percentile ACT score is 34, while the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. If you score a 34, you'll find yourself positioned below the average, whereas achieving a 36 will elevate you to an above-average standing. While there isn't a strict ACT requirement set by MIT, aiming for at least a 34 greatly enhances your prospects of being considered by the institution.
 

Q. What is a good ACT score for Ivy League schools?

A. The consistency of the trend across Ivy League schools is quite noticeable, leading to a clear takeaway. If you intend to achieve ACT scores that stand as competitive with the averages of institutions like Yale or Harvard, setting your sights on approximately a 34 composite score is advisable. This understanding provides a target to aim for if you wish to align your scores with the higher echelons of Ivy League admission standards.